Arab Nations Prepare to Propose Gaza Reconstruction Plan to Trump

Arab foreign ministers are set to travel to Washington within weeks to present a proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the rebuilding of Gaza. This initiative aims to preserve the Palestinian population amid regional backlash against Trump’s previous displacement suggestions. A broader summit is scheduled in Cairo on March 4, where key issues concerning governance and reconstruction will be discussed.

Arab foreign ministers are planning to visit Washington within weeks to present a substantial proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at rebuilding Gaza without forcing the Palestinian population to relocate. This decision follows President Trump’s earlier suggestion to displace 2.1 million Palestinians and transform Gaza into a U.S.-owned zone, a plan that received significant backlash from Middle Eastern leaders.

On March 4, Arab leaders are expected to convene in Cairo for a broader summit where a comprehensive “road map” for Gaza and the ongoing conflict will be established. Following this summit, Arab diplomats are set to travel to the U.S. to formally deliver their proposal, ensuring that it is a well-structured plan before presenting it to the Trump administration.

The proposed counterplan aims not only to rebuild Gaza but also to address crucial issues such as governance after the conflict, reforms for the Palestinian Authority, and the possible deployment of peacekeeping forces within Gaza. However, the composition of such a peacekeeping force remains uncertain.

Last week, Arab leaders held a significant informal meeting in Riyadh, affirming a unified stance on the displacement issue. Both Jordan and Egypt rejected any plans for relocating Palestinians, regarding it as a crucial matter of national security. One Jordanian official articulated, “Our position is firm and clear and we won’t accept any threat to our national security.”

Jordan has consistently warned against any efforts to displace Palestinians to its territory, with the foreign minister stating that such action would be seen as a “declaration of war.” Additionally, there are concerns regarding escalating violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem during Ramadan, which is impending.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed confidence in Egypt’s capability to fully reconstruct Gaza within three years, aiming for a condition that surpasses its previous state. Completion of this vision is contingent on achieving a permanent ceasefire in the near future, potentially before the end of Trump’s presidency.

The ongoing discussions among Arab leaders reflect a concerted effort to address the humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza. The anticipated proposal seeks to rebuild the region while maintaining the Palestinian population’s presence, demonstrating a collaborative regional response to President Trump’s controversial suggestions. The resolution to this issue remains paramount for regional stability and national security in both Jordan and Egypt.

Original Source: www.cnn.com