Saudi Arabia’s Gaza Summit: Reconstruction Plans Amid Regional Tensions

The summit in Saudi Arabia aims to address the reconstruction of Gaza following President Trump’s provocative comments on Palestinian displacement. Key Arab leaders will consider Egypt’s plan while grappling with financing issues amidst ongoing regional tensions. As reconstruction begins but remains contingent on security concerns, the complexities of governance and the fate of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are pivotal factors.

In light of President Donald Trump’s controversial proposition for a mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, a meeting convened in Saudi Arabia amongst US Arab allies is set to discuss Egypt’s reconstruction plan post-conflict. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated the intent is to provoke new thinking regarding viable solutions for Palestinian welfare. Amid concerns from US allies, the discussion pivots towards how to facilitate reconstruction without exacerbating tensions in the region.

The planned summit, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will include key leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates as they consider proposals regarding Gaza’s future. Concurrently, Trump will be addressing the Future Investment Initiative summit in Miami, expressing desires for enhanced Saudi investments in the United States.

Though Trump shows a tentative endorsement for an Arab-led reconstruction initiative, significant hurdles remain. The Egyptian proposal suggests keeping Palestinians within Gaza, using mobile housing while debris is cleared. The foremost concern, however, lies in identifying financing sources, notably who will bear the significant costs of reconstruction, projected at over $50 billion, with initial needs of $20 billion.

Issuing a warning against costly investments that could be rendered futile, Saudi ambassador Prince Khalid bin Bandar expressed skepticism about rebuilding a territory vulnerable to future destruction. Both Egypt and Jordan face financial strains, prompting inquiries into the willingness of wealthier Gulf states to shoulder reconstruction responsibilities.

Furthermore, while machinery for reconstruction is beginning to arrive in Gaza, focus also centers around military security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Hamas, stating the necessity for accountability. This statement underscores ongoing volatility, as Israel seeks to prevent Hamas from governing any part of Gaza in future arrangements.

The power dynamics within Gaza remain complex, with both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority vying for influence. Discussions include establishing a new governance structure without intra-Palestinian conflict, potentially channeling local leaders who are not tied to either faction. The ambitious notion includes deploying peacekeepers to stabilize the region, albeit with differing views from regional allies regarding suitable governance arrangements.

The forthcoming Saudi Arabian summit on Gaza reconstruction illustrates the multifaceted challenges facing Palestinian officials, regional leaders, and international actors following the conflict. With significant funding needed for reconstruction and complex governance issues looming, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty. The diverging interests of regional powers and the potential for renewed violence pose further risks to the fragile aspirations for a stable and prosperous Gaza.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net