UAE’s Lobbying Against Egypt’s Gaza Plan Reflects Regional Rivalries
The UAE is lobbying the Trump administration to reject an Egyptian Gaza reconstruction plan endorsed by the Arab League. This rising tension reflects broader Arab competition over Gaza’s governance and differing views on Hamas’ influence. The situation has generated concerns about U.S. interests and relationships in the region, particularly regarding military aid to Egypt.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively lobbying the Trump administration to reject a Gaza reconstruction plan put forth by Egypt and endorsed by the Arab League. This increasing discord is raising concerns among U.S. diplomats regarding potential negative implications on U.S. interests in the region. The situation highlights rising competition among Arab nations regarding the future governance of Gaza and varying opinions on Hamas’ role therein.
The UAE’s position complicates relations with Egypt, as both countries support Mohammed Dahlan, an exiled former Fatah leader, as a key figure for Gaza’s future. American officials have reported that the UAE’s recent actions are contradictory to its earlier support for the Arab League plan, which they are now undermining by lobbying against it with U.S. officials.
Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba of the UAE has been influential in advocating for Washington to pressure Egypt regarding the treatment of displaced Palestinians. He has indicated previously that he sees no alternative to the forced displacement of Palestinians, as suggested by President Trump earlier this year. The UAE’s resentment toward Hamas stems from its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, which both the UAE and Egypt have sought to diminish in the region.
The UAE has criticized the Egyptian plan for lacking a definitive strategy on disarming and expelling Hamas. Egyptian officials assert the plan prioritizes the Palestinian Authority’s governance of Gaza. The proposal also involves international peacekeepers and security training for local forces, but it faces objection from Israel, which opposes international involvement.
Following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, tensions have risen again, and prospects for peace remain tenuous. The U.S. has proposed a plan for Hamas to release hostages in exchange for a temporary truce extension. However, Hamas demands a permanent end to hostilities, as per the ceasefire agreement. Controversy grew when Adam Boehler, a former nominee for hostage affairs, engaged directly with Hamas.
The Trump administration has a mixed stance on the Arab League’s Gaza plan, and recent discussions with Egyptian officials suggest that U.S.-Egyptian relations may be strained due to the Emirati lobbying efforts. Reports indicate that the United States is re-evaluating its military aid to Egypt, raising the possibility of reductions, which would not formally link the cuts to Egypt’s acceptance of forced Palestinian displacement.
The tensions between the UAE and Egypt showcase complex dynamics as they both endorse Dahlan while also backing conflicting interests in other regional conflicts, such as Sudan. Additionally, UAE’s backing of Somaliland complicates U.S. relations in the region.
The Trump administration’s cooling response to Egypt’s plan has drawn ire from seasoned officials within the State Department, particularly as other nations express support for the framework. Despite internal U.S. warnings against pressuring Egypt, Trump recently softened his earlier stance on Palestinian displacement after consultations with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
In summary, the UAE’s lobbying against Egypt’s Gaza plan reflects underlying Arab rivalries and influences U.S. diplomatic strategies in the region, with potential ramifications for U.S.-Egyptian relations and the broader Middle East political landscape.
The ongoing lobbying efforts by the UAE against the Egyptian-administered Gaza reconstruction plan emphasize the intricate political dynamics of the region. As the UAE seeks to assert its influence, the implications for U.S.-Egyptian relations, particularly concerning military aid, are becoming apparent. Moreover, the situation underscores the complexity of Arab alliances and rivalries, spotlighting the challenges faced in achieving lasting peace in Gaza.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
