Egypt’s Draft Plan for Gaza Seeks to Replace Hamas with Interim Governance

Egypt has proposed a draft plan for Gaza that intends to replace Hamas with interim governance controlled by Arab and Western states. The plan, which will be revealed at an Arab League summit, focuses on initiating humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. However, it does not clarify governance structures, financial responsibilities, or specific timelines for implementation, leaving significant questions unanswered regarding Gaza’s future.

A draft plan developed by Egypt to reshape governance in Gaza proposes the displacement of Hamas by interim bodies overseen by various Arab and Western nations. Scheduled for presentation at the upcoming Arab League summit, the plan does not clarify implementation timelines regarding a permanent peace deal following the conflict. It deviates from the traditional U.S. policy of a two-state solution and has provoked discontent among Palestinians and Arab nations.

One of the significant challenges following the armed conflict is determining who will govern Gaza. Currently, Hamas has refused any proposals seen as imposed by outside entities. The Egyptian initiative calls for the establishment of a Governance Assistance Mission that will undertake humanitarian roles and initiate reconstruction within Gaza, which has faced extensive destruction due to the ongoing war.

The draft explicitly highlights that without the removal of Hamas as the primary governing body in Gaza, international financial support for reconstruction efforts will not materialize. While seeking to foster collaboration among Arab states, the plan remains unclear about the governance structure and financial arrangements necessary for rebuilding Gaza.

The proposal does not mention future elections or the future role of the Palestinian Authority amid discussions about potential governance in Gaza. Moreover, although Egypt’s initiative offers a blueprint for a new local administration, it is ambiguous on the mechanisms that would displace Hamas and manage security post-conflict.

The plan also outlines an International Stabilization Force, primarily composed of Arab states, intended to oversee security and governance efforts, alongside a steering board to manage these institutions. While striving to involve Palestinian expertise, the proposal imposes oversight from various regional and international stakeholders, sidelining the Palestinian Authority’s influence.

Despite not providing a clear financial strategy, the draft alludes to future contributions from Arab states for Gaza’s reconstruction, estimated at over $53 billion by the UN. The success of Egypt’s initiative may depend on the willingness of oil-rich Gulf states to provide necessary funding, which remains to be seen.

Egypt’s proposal to reshape governance in Gaza aims to remove Hamas from power through interim bodies led by Arab and Western states while initiating reconstruction efforts. The plan does not currently address crucial questions regarding governance, future elections or funding for initiatives aimed at rebuilding Gaza. The international response, particularly from Gulf nations, will significantly influence the plan’s viability.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk