Algeria and Tunisia Withdraw from Arab Summit Over Gaza Reconstruction Plan Concerns

Algeria and Tunisia have opted not to attend an Arab summit in Cairo aimed at establishing a reconstruction plan for Gaza, voicing concerns over exclusionary processes influenced by a few dominant states. Algeria’s President Tebboune and Tunisia’s President Saied, both sending foreign ministers, reflect growing tensions within the Arab League regarding Palestine and regional solidarity amidst competing international agendas.

Algeria and Tunisia have notably decided to forgo attending a significant Arab summit in Cairo, which is centered on establishing a reconstruction plan for Gaza following recent conflicts. Both nations expressed their concerns regarding proposed solutions perceived as being centrally dictated by a limited number of influential countries. Scheduled for today, this summit seeks to unify regional support for Palestinians in light of perceived biased recommendations from the United States and Israel, which many believe aim to cleanse Palestinians from Gaza.

The withdrawal of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, was notably highlighted. He opted to send his foreign minister in his stead, with anonymous sources indicating that his absence serves as a protest against the exclusionary dynamics at play, dominated by more powerful Arab states. President Tebboune’s discontent is rooted in Algeria’s sidelining, despite its substantial contributions to the UN ceasefire efforts.

Following Algeria’s lead, Tunisian President Kais Saied also dispatched his foreign minister to the summit, signaling his alignment with Algeria’s position. Tunisia’s foreign policy, particularly under President Saied, often aligns closely with that of Algeria. The absence of these North African leaders arrives at a pivotal moment as the Arab League grapples with maintaining a unified stance on Palestinian issues.

In recent months, Saudi Arabia has distanced itself from U.S.-backed normalization with Israel while still engaging deeply with Washington’s broader regional strategies. Meanwhile, Egypt has taken a leadership role in ceasefire negotiations and is spearheading a reconstruction initiative for Gaza. The leading proposal from Egypt seeks to replace Hamas governance with an interim administration composed of representatives from Arab, Muslim-majority, and Western states.

The decision of Algeria and Tunisia to abstain from the Arab summit underscores increasing tensions over representation and decision-making concerning Palestine. This moment highlights the complexities facing the Arab bloc, as key players seek to navigate pressures from both regional policies and international influences. Their absence reflects a broader call for inclusivity and collaboration, challenging the dominance of a few nations in the shaping of solutions for Gaza.

Original Source: news.az