UAE Pressures Trump Administration to Reject Egyptian Gaza Plan
The UAE is pressuring the Trump administration to reject Egypt’s Gaza plan, highlighting a struggle for influence among Arab nations regarding Gaza’s governance. The situation complicates US-Egypt relations, amid concerns about military aid reductions and differing strategies for dealing with Hamas. Both nations support Mohammed Dahlan as a key figure in Gaza, yet remain at odds over methods and regional policies.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively lobbying the Trump administration to reject a post-war Gaza plan developed by Egypt and endorsed by the Arab League. This conflict has raised concerns among US diplomats regarding adverse effects on American interests in the region. The rivalry showcases a growing struggle among Arab nations over influence in the governance of Gaza, especially regarding Hamas’s role therein.
The UAE’s efforts complicate Egypt’s position, as both nations support the same Palestinian figure, Mohammed Dahlan, as a key player in Gaza. A US official noted, “The UAE could not be the lone state opposing the Arab League plan when it was agreed, but they are trashing it with the Trump administration.”
Furthermore, the UAE’s influential ambassador to the US, Yousef al-Otaiba, has persuaded US officials to pressure Egypt into accepting forcibly displaced Palestinians from Gaza. Otaiba has publicly stated that he sees no alternative to Trump’s earlier proposal for the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The UAE criticizes Egypt’s Gaza plan for lacking clarity on how Hamas will be disarmed, while Egyptian officials argue that governance is assigned to the Palestinian Authority. The plan envisions the involvement of a security force trained by Jordan and Egypt, with potential UN peacekeeper deployment, but faces opposition from Israel, which is against internationalizing the conflict.
Despite a ceasefire brokered by the US in January, the situation remains volatile, with recent violence resulting in casualties and a breakdown of the truce. The Trump administration has expressed support for Israel’s military actions, and a proposal for Hamas to release captives in exchange for a temporary truce has also surfaced, portraying the faltering peace efforts.
The UAE’s campaign to undermine the Egyptian plan has prompted concerns regarding US-Egyptian relations. Reports have suggested that the US may consider reducing military aid to Egypt by 2026 amidst these tensions, a situation that could shift Egypt’s military alliances.
Both the UAE and Egypt support Dahlan as a future leader of Gaza, evidenced by Egypt’s recent pardoning of Fatah officials, seen as favoring Dahlan, an exiled political figure. Despite their common interests, both nations are backing opposing factions in Sudan, highlighting the broader complexities in the region.
The ongoing US negotiations regarding Palestinian displacement in Gaza, coupled with mixed responses from European countries endorsing Egypt’s plan, suggest deepening rifts within US foreign policy and its approach to the Middle East. Trump’s administration has faced pushback from his own diplomatic team concerning its stance towards Egyptian proposals, resulting in a shift from earlier demands regarding Palestinian displacement.
The UAE’s lobbying against the Egyptian Gaza plan has significant implications for regional geopolitics, US foreign policy, and the governance of Gaza. As both the UAE and Egypt support different approaches to resolving the Gaza crisis and struggle for influence, the situation remains complex. The US’s reassessment of military aid to Egypt may lead to further geopolitical shifts, potentially impacting future alliances and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
