Egypt’s Proposed Gaza Plan: Countering Trump’s Vision

Egypt plans to unveil a counterproposal for Gaza at the Arab League summit, seeking to replace Hamas with a governance mission backed by Arab and Western states. The plan has not clarified its implementation schedule nor specified funding sources for reconstruction, all while rejecting Trump’s displacement strategy, which has sparked widespread dissent.

Egypt is gearing up to present a new plan for Gaza at the upcoming Arab League summit, aimed at countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial vision that proposes significant changes to Palestinian governance in the region. The draft, which Reuters has reviewed, suggests sidelining Hamas in favor of interim governance managed by a coalition of Arab, Muslim, and Western states. However, the implementation timeline relative to a long-term peace deal remains unclear.

Trump’s proposal, which includes the notion of displacing the Palestinian population, has attracted condemnation from Palestinian leaders and Arab countries, marking a departure from the established U.S. approach advocating for a two-state solution. The fundamental issue of Gaza’s future governance remains unaddressed, as negotiations continue over how to lead the region following the conflict.

According to Cairo’s draft plan, a Governance Assistance Mission is proposed to take over from the Hamas-led government during an unspecified interim phase. This mission would be tasked with humanitarian support and facilitating Gaza’s reconstruction, which has suffered extensive damage due to conflict. The draft makes clear that the lack of Hamas’s influence is essential for securing international funding for rebuilding efforts.

In light of Trump’s plans, Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states have rapidly developed diplomatic strategies to challenge this narrative, with Egypt’s proposal currently considered favored among these nations. It has not been determined yet if Arab leadership will endorse Egypt’s approach. The mission aims to incorporate assistance from Palestinian experts to ensure an efficient recovery process in Gaza.

This proposal notably dismisses any notions of displacing Palestinians, which Arab nations like Egypt and Jordan perceive as a security threat. White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes confirmed that the Trump administration remains committed to a vision for Gaza while being receptive to contributions from regional partners.

A senior official from Hamas, Sami Abu Zuhri, refuted knowledge of Egypt’s initiative, asserting that any post-conflict governance must be determined by the Palestinian people themselves. The Egyptian plan remains silent on the potential for elections or the resolution of Hamas’s military aspirations, as the group has maintained a stronghold over Gaza since 2007.

Moreover, the proposal includes the establishment of an International Stabilization Force, primarily composed of Arab nations, focused on security in Gaza with a view toward establishing a new local police presence. The governance and security structures are to be orchestrated under the oversight of a steering board comprising key regional and international stakeholders.

Significantly, the draft does not elaborate on the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) role, contradicting its claims over governance authority in Gaza. An official indicated that an expert committee featuring Palestinian representation will assist the PA during a six-month transitional phase, emphasizing that these arrangements must not be directed by non-Palestinian entities.

The financing of Gaza’s reconstruction, estimated by the United Nations at over $53 billion, remains unaddressed in the draft. It is anticipated that Gulf and Arab nations would need to contribute substantially to initial recovery efforts. The creation of a donor fund through the steering board’s efforts is proposed, though specific financial commitments are lacking.

The presence of oil-rich Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, would be crucial for securing the necessary funding, but their support is contingent upon Hamas’s marginalization. The foreign ministries in the region have yet to comment on their potential contributions or stance on Egypt’s outlined plan, reflecting ongoing uncertainties about Gaza’s governance and financial future.

Egypt’s proposed Gaza plan, designed to negate Trump’s vision, emphasizes a governance shift away from Hamas, while addressing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. Nevertheless, key concerns regarding leadership dynamics, funding, and the role of Palestinian authorities remain unresolved in the draft, reflecting the complexities of achieving a sustainable and peaceful resolution in the region.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com