Arab leaders are debating an Egyptian counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza plan during a summit in Cairo. The Egyptian plan aims for Gaza residents to remain while the territory undergoes reconstruction. Tensions are high as Hamas refuses to relinquish control and Israel halts aid shipments, raising concerns about renewed conflict.
Arab leaders convened at a summit in Cairo to deliberate on an Egyptian counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. As discussions unfold, skepticism persists within Arab media regarding the feasibility of the plan, especially in light of Hamas’s determination to maintain its governance over the region.
In contrast to Trump’s proposal, which suggests relocating Palestinians outside Gaza during the rebuilding phase, Egypt’s plan advocates for Gaza’s residents to remain in temporary housing within the area. This allows for the removal of debris and demining efforts while ensuring the population’s continuity.
Egypt and numerous Arab nations are against the component of Trump’s blueprint that necessitates the transfer of Gaza Palestinians beyond the territory during reconstruction. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude to Trump for his constructive role in the rebuilding initiative, introducing a concept to have technocrats manage Gaza temporarily while training a new Palestinian police force and securing financial backing for reconstruction.
Continuing tensions in Gaza raise concerns that renewed conflicts could erupt, particularly after Israel accused Hamas of exploiting humanitarian aid for its purposes. Israel interrupted aid shipments, escalating the situation further.
Said Sadek, a political sociology expert at the Egypt-Japan University, noted widespread Arab opposition to disarming Hamas and compelling it to cede control for reconstruction efforts. He indicated that discussions at the summit might focus on diminishing Hamas’s influence and establishing an international peacekeeping force to facilitate the reconstruction process.
Saudi-owned al Arabiya TV announced that Arab leaders are expected to propose to the United Nations the establishment of a joint Arab-international peacekeeping force to oversee Gaza during the transitional period, pending the training of a new Palestinian police force.
Historically, Egypt has declined to take control of Gaza, which it governed from 1948 to 1967 before Israeli occupation during the Six Day War. Jamal Rushdy, an Arab League spokesperson, attempted to downplay disagreements regarding Egypt’s plan, framing it as an initial step towards successful reconstruction and securing necessary funding.
However, Hamas has firmly rejected the notion of transferring power and intends to retain its weapons, emphasizing that this is a non-negotiable stance. Israel has indicated readiness to recommence hostilities, claiming Hamas has bolstered its military capacity since the conflict’s escalation, restoring its ranks significantly since 2005.
The Arab summit in Cairo addressed the contentious issue of Hamas’s governance and the reconstruction of Gaza, with Egypt presenting a counterproposal to Trump’s plan. While skepticism remains about the feasibility of both proposals, there is a shared drive to find a path forward that includes securing international support. The situation in Gaza continues to be precarious, with both internal and external pressures complicating efforts toward resolution and rehabilitation.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
