Egypt Proposes Interim Governance Plan for Gaza Amidst Trump’s Controversial Vision

Egypt is presenting a plan to replace Hamas in Gaza at an Arab League summit, responding to Trump’s controversial vision. While it aims to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction, significant issues about governance and funding remain unaddressed, posing challenges for implementation. The regional response and future funding commitments are yet to be determined.

Egypt is set to present a plan for Gaza, aimed at countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for the region, at an upcoming Arab League summit. This plan seeks to replace Hamas with interim governing bodies managed by Arab, Muslim, and Western states. However, the proposal does not clarify when it would be implemented or whether it would occur prior to a permanent peace agreement following the war that erupted after the October 7 attacks.

Trump’s initiative, which involves the mass removal of Palestinians from Gaza, has departed from the traditional U.S. stance favoring a two-state solution, eliciting significant backlash from Palestinians and Arab nations. The future governance of Gaza remains uncertain as Hamas has thus far rejected any imposition of governance structures by external forces.

The Egyptian plan proposes the establishment of a Governance Assistance Mission to oversee humanitarian aid and facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction during an interim period. The draft asserts that substantial international funding for reconstruction would not materialize as long as Hamas remains in control, indicating a need for a governance overhaul to enable recovery efforts.

The proposed mission would focus on expertise from Palestinians to prompt Gaza’s recovery while outlining a structure for both governance and security. This initiative is viewed as a critical aspect of a broader Arab diplomatic offensive aiming to counter Trump’s proposals. Still, the reactions from Arab leaders regarding Egypt’s plan remain uncertain.

The draft does not address who will lead the governance mission, nor does it dive into future elections or the political status of Hamas. Hamas officials dismiss the existence of Egypt’s proposal, asserting that the future of Gaza must be determined by the Palestinians alone while opposing any foreign intervention.

Within the framework of security, the proposal envisions an International Stabilization Force composed mainly of Arab states to assume security responsibilities previously held by Hamas. However, the document does not provide details regarding who would fund the possible reconstruction of Gaza, estimated by the UN at over $53 billion, leaving open questions about financial commitments from potential contributors in the region.

The suggestion of a steering board to manage governance and security development efforts draws attention to regional collaboration but does not reveal the Palestinian Authority’s specific role amidst its waning support. Ultimately, the success of any reconstruction plan hinges upon international financial pledges, notably from wealthy Gulf nations, critical to ensuring a viable path forward for Gaza’s recovery.

Egypt’s proposed plan for Gaza aims to displace Hamas and involve Arab, Muslim, and Western states in interim governance, yet it lacks clarity on key governance and financial issues. The proposal has emerged amidst significant backlash against Trump’s vision for Gaza, emphasizing the need for a unified Arab diplomatic response. However, acceptance of this proposal by regional leaders and the commitment of essential funding remain crucial uncertainties.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com