Arab Leaders Debate Egyptian Plan as Counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza Initiative

Arab leaders are discussing an Egyptian counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza rebuilding plan in Cairo. The proposal suggests maintaining Gazan residents within the territory during reconstruction amid skepticism about its implementation due to Hamas’ power. Egypt plans to manage the territory temporarily and prepare for a donor’s conference, while tensions escalate as Israel accuses Hamas of exploiting aid.

Arab leaders convened in Cairo to deliberate on an Egyptian counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Amid this extraordinary summit, there is growing skepticism regarding the feasibility of the plan, particularly due to Hamas’ firm grasp on power in the region for the past 17 years.

Egypt’s counterproposal suggests that residents remain within Gaza during reconstruction, living in temporary accommodations while the area is cleared of rubble and landmines. This stance stands in direct opposition to Trump’s suggestion of relocating Palestinians outside Gaza during the rebuilding phase, a point of contention among Arab nations.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude to President Trump for his initiative aimed at Gaza’s recovery. He further proposed an interim governance structure formed by technocrats, coupled with the establishment of a new Palestinian police force, to help maintain order and establish funding for reconstruction efforts.

Upcoming efforts include a donor’s conference set to take place in Egypt next month to secure necessary financial support. Nevertheless, tensions persist in Gaza, with fears of renewed conflict following Israel’s accusations against Hamas of misappropriating humanitarian aid for its own benefit, leading to the suspension of aid shipments.

Political analyst Said Sadek remarked on the complications involved in disarming Hamas and necessitating a transfer of power for Gaza’s reconstruction. He explained that discussions during the summit would revolve around strategies to undermine Hamas’ authority while potentially introducing a peacekeeping force to stabilize the region.

Saudi-owned al Arabiya TV reported that leaders are expected to advocate for a United Nations-supported joint Arab-international peacekeeping mission to oversee Gaza temporarily until the new police force is fully operational. It is worth noting that Egypt declined to reclaim direct control of Gaza, which it administered between 1948 and 1967.

Arab League spokesperson Jamal Rushdy attempted to downplay any disagreements concerning Egypt’s proposal, positioning it as merely the initial phase in a long process of reconstruction and securing financial support. Meanwhile, Hamas has firmly rejected any notion of ceding power and reaffirmed its commitment to retaining its weapons.

In response, Israel has threatened to escalate military actions if necessary, alleging an increase in Hamas’ military capabilities since the conflict, with reports of their manpower restored to approximately 30,000 fighters. Continuous negotiations led by Egyptian mediators to resolve the power dynamics in Gaza have yet to yield fruitful results since Hamas took control in 2007.

In summary, the summit in Cairo brings to light the complexities surrounding the rebuilding of Gaza following Hamas’ longstanding governance. The contentious proposals from Egyptian officials and the reactions from various Arab states illustrate the challenges in addressing Hamas’ position. Continued skepticism regarding practical implementation of these plans raises questions about the future governance and stability of the region.

Original Source: www.voanews.com