UAE Seeks to Undermine Egypt’s Gaza Plan Amidst Tensions with Trump Administration

The UAE is lobbying the Trump administration to reject Egypt’s post-war Gaza plan, endorsed by the Arab League. This rising tension reveals competition over influence in Gaza’s governance and differing views on Hamas’s role. The UAE’s diplomatic maneuvers raise concerns for U.S.-Egyptian relations, particularly with potential cuts to military aid. The support for Mohammed Dahlan complicates matters, as both nations vie for authority in the region’s future.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively lobbying the Trump administration to reject a post-war Gaza recovery plan formulated by Egypt, which has received the endorsement of the Arab League. This growing diplomatic contention is alarming U.S. officials, who are concerned it may jeopardize American interests in the Middle East. The dispute underscores the competing Arab influences regarding governance and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, particularly concerning the role of Hamas.

The UAE’s campaign presents a challenge for Egypt as both nations support Mohammed Dahlan, an exiled former Fatah official, as the potential leader in Gaza. A U.S. official indicated that while the UAE could not oppose the Arab League plan initially, they are now undermining it by persuading the Trump administration against it. The UAE is leveraging its strong access to U.S. leadership to label the plan as impractical and accuse Egypt of permitting excessive Hamas influence.

Notably, Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAE ambassador to the U.S., has been in discussions with U.S. Congressional members and Trump’s advisors to apply pressure on Egypt regarding the acceptance of forcibly displaced Palestinians. Al-Otaiba previously expressed skepticism regarding alternatives to the plan proposed by Trump for displacing Palestinians outside Gaza, reflecting the UAE’s critical stance toward Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been targeted by both the UAE and Egypt.

Criticism had arisen from the UAE aimed at Egypt’s Gaza plan, arguing it lacked specificity concerning the disarmament of Hamas. However, Egyptian officials assert that the governance will revert to the Palestinian Authority and that external security forces trained by Jordan and Egypt will be involved. Hamas has accepted the plan, although Israel opposes any international presence in the Gaza conflict.

The ceasefire orchestrated by the U.S. in January has effectively unraveled, with confrontations reigniting. The recent actions of the Trump administration, which have shown backing for Israel’s military actions, come amid reports indicating renewed discussions with Hamas concerning the release of captives.

Following a controversial meeting between Trump’s former hostage affairs nominee, Adam Boehler, and Hamas that discussed ceasefire terms, strong reactions from Israel and pro-Israel U.S. lawmakers ensued, leading to Boehler’s withdrawal from nomination. This engagement has further complicated the UAE’s diplomatic efforts, which have been strained by what they perceive as U.S. missteps in dealing with Hamas.

The Trump administration’s mixed signals regarding the Arab League’s Gaza plan have drawn concerns from U.S. and Egyptian officials, suggesting such a stance could damage U.S.-Egyptian relations, particularly with warnings about military aid reductions looming in 2026. Egyptian officials continue to maintain that U.S. military assistance is crucial, citing its role in the peace accords established since 1979.

Moreover, historical perspectives show a decline in U.S. aid relative to Egypt’s GDP as military ties shift due to evolving geopolitical landscapes. Both Egypt and the UAE appear to see Mohammed Dahlan as a pivotal figure in Gaza’s future, further complicating their diplomatic relationship amidst differing strategies regarding Palestinian governance and territory recovery.

The U.S. administration remains at a crossroads, balancing support for its traditional allies in Egypt while navigating the UAE’s growing influence in decision-making regarding Arab affairs. The expected appointment of Peter Pham, a strong advocate for the UAE, as head of African Affairs may signal an alignment that could influence Palestinian displacement discussions moving forward. The Trump administration’s fluctuating stance has already prompted responses from various international actors, and it remains to be seen how the dynamics will evolve in the wake of these deliberations.

The UAE’s lobbying against the Egyptian plan for Gaza recovery highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. With both the UAE and Egypt endorsing Mohammed Dahlan as a potential leader in Gaza, their divergent tactics regarding Hamas and U.S. relations raise questions about the future governance and reconstruction of the region. As the Trump administration reassesses its military aid to Egypt in light of these diplomatic tensions, the evolving dynamics between key Arab states and the influence of U.S. policy will remain crucial in shaping outcomes in Gaza.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net