Egypt Proposes New Interim Governance for Gaza, Excluding Hamas

Egypt has proposed a new governance framework for Gaza, aimed at substituting Hamas with interim authorities managed by various international stakeholders. This plan emphasizes humanitarian aid and reconstruction, while linking financial assistance to the exclusion of Hamas from governance. The proposal, which diverges from President Trump’s strategy, faces rejection from Hamas, which insists on Palestinian autonomy in determining Gaza’s future.

Egypt has proposed a governance plan for Gaza to replace Hamas with interim authorities supervised by Arab, Muslim, and Western nations. This plan, which will be presented at the upcoming Arab League summit, emphasizes the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction without Hamas’s involvement in governance, as international funding will be contingent upon Hamas’s removal from power.

The draft suggests the establishment of an International Stabilization Force led by Arab states, which will support governance and recommence rebuilding efforts in Gaza. Notably, the proposal does not include the Palestinian Authority in a prominent role and outlines a steering committee comprising Arab nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as representatives from the United States and the European Union to oversee its implementation.

Critically, the Egyptian plan diverges from United States President Donald Trump’s vision by rejecting the idea of resettling Gaza’s residents during the reconstruction phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed Trump’s Gaza strategy, describing it as “visionary and innovative.” The White House has acknowledged Egypt’s plan while reiterating Trump’s commitment to his own vision for Gaza’s future.

The United Nations has projected that Gaza’s reconstruction could cost upwards of $53 billion, although the Egyptian draft does not delineate specific funding sources. Initial contributions of at least $20 billion from Gulf and Arab states are expected, yet the draft lacks any binding financial commitments.

Hamas has publicly rejected the Egyptian proposal, insisting that the future of Gaza should be determined exclusively by the Palestinians themselves. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated, “The future of Gaza must be determined solely by the Palestinians… Hamas rejects any attempt to impose external projects, non-Palestinian administration, or the presence of foreign forces in Gaza.”

In summary, Egypt’s proposal for Gaza governance seeks to replace Hamas with interim bodies overseen by international partners while providing humanitarian support and aid for reconstruction. This plan, diverging from President Trump’s vision, emphasizes Palestinian autonomy and highlights the necessity of international cooperation, yet it faces resistance from Hamas. The success of this initiative hinges on consensus among regional stakeholders and significant financial commitments for reconstruction efforts.

Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com