Egypt’s Proposal for Gaza Governance and Reconstruction Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Egypt has prepared a plan for Gaza that seeks to exclude Hamas and rely on governance by Arab and Western oversight. This proposal, set to be discussed at the Arab League, overlooks crucial facets such as funding for reconstruction and the role of the Palestinian Authority. The framework emphasizes international cooperation for Gaza’s recovery, contingent on sidelining Hamas, amid broader tensions with U.S. policy.

The Egyptian government has devised a plan regarding Gaza as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for the region, which excludes Hamas and envisions interim governance by Arab and Western states. This proposal, set to be discussed at an upcoming Arab League summit, has not clarified when it would be enacted relative to a permanent peace agreement, further complicating the future of Gaza following the conflict initiated by the attacks on October 7, 2023.

Trump’s plan for Gaza has faced backlash for straying from the traditional U.S. approach that promoted a two-state solution, leading to frustration among Palestinians and neighboring Arab nations. The leadership of Gaza remains a contentious issue in post-conflict discussions, with Hamas firmly against any foreign-imposed governing structures.

Egypt’s framework proposes a Governance Assistance Mission to replace the existing Hamas administration temporarily. This mission would oversee humanitarian efforts and begin reconstruction, which has become urgent given the extensive damage incurred during the conflict. The draft highlights the need for significant international support for Gaza’s recovery, contingent upon dismantling Hamas’s governance.

As discussions among Arab states continue, Egypt’s proposal has emerged as a leading option aimed at countering Trump’s controversial vision for Gaza. Details regarding the plan’s governance structure remain vague, including who will lead the Governance Assistance Mission and how civilian recovery efforts will be spearheaded by Palestinians.

The Egyptian plan explicitly rejects any mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, considering such actions a security risk for the region. U.S. officials, including White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes, acknowledged the importance of collaboration with Arab nations in addressing the Gaza crisis while maintaining support for Trump’s framework.

Hamas has publicly dismissed Egypt’s proposal, emphasizing that any solutions for Gaza must originate from its Palestinian inhabitants. The lack of mention of future elections or alternative governance for Gaza in the Egyptian draft leaves key questions unanswered.

The potential role of an International Stabilization Force, primarily made up of Arab states, is intended as a security measure against Hamas’s influence while establishing local law enforcement. However, the absence of a definitive role for the Palestinian Authority is notable, given its waning support among Gaza’s population and its jurisdictional claims over the territory.

The financial aspect of Gaza’s reconstruction remains uncertain, with estimates surpassing $53 billion. The funding likely would necessitate significant contributions from Gulf states. To address this, the proposal hints at setting up a fund managed by a steering board of influential countries, which might also coordinate with a Civil Society Advisory Board to foster broader participation in recovery efforts.

The Egyptian proposal for Gaza aims to supplant Hamas’s control with a governance model involving Arab and Western assistance while navigating complex political dynamics. It highlights the necessity for collaborative international efforts to reconstruct Gaza without imposing external authority over its governance. Yet, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding funding and the future electoral processes of Palestinian leadership. Overall, Arab leaders are in the midst of formulating a coordinated diplomatic approach, centering on Egypt’s initiative to counter U.S. President Trump’s contentious strategies, emphasizing that Palestinian voices must ultimately guide Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk