Egypt is proposing a draft plan for Gaza during an Arab League summit, aiming to supplant Hamas’s governance with transitional authorities through Arab and Western collaboration. It seeks to provide humanitarian aid and reconstruction, contingent upon removing Hamas’s dominance. The plan is a response to President Trump’s controversial visions, which have faced severe backlash. The future of Gaza’s governance remains precarious, with funding and authority still to be determined.
Egypt is set to present a comprehensive plan for Gaza during an emergency Arab League summit, aiming to counter the vision proposed by US President Donald Trump. This plan is designed to phase out Hamas and implement interim governance led by Arab, Muslim, and Western nations. The specifics regarding the timing of implementation relative to a final peace agreement remain unclear.
Trump’s proposal, which controversially suggested displacing Palestinian inhabitants from Gaza, has garnered significant criticism from Palestinians and neighboring Arab nations. The pivotal question of who will oversee Gaza’s governance post-conflict remains unanswered, despite negotiations ongoing among key stakeholders. Hamas has already expressed resistance to any externally imposed solutions.
Under Egypt’s draft, a Governance Assistance Mission is proposed to supplant the current Hamas leadership, tasked with managing humanitarian aid and initiating reconstruction efforts in Gaza, heavily impacted by recent conflicts. The plan underscores that substantial international funding for Gaza’s rebuilding is contingent upon the removal of Hamas’s control of governance.
Egypt, alongside Jordan and Gulf Arab states, is intensifying its diplomatic maneuvers to counteract the perceived flaws in Trump’s initiative. While Egypt’s proposal is considered the leading alternative, it is currently indeterminate whether it will gain robust support from other Arab leaders. The drafted proposal remains unofficial and has been circulated among select participants in Gaza negotiations seeking anonymity.
The plan explicitly opposes Trump’s strategy for mass Palestinian displacement, with regional leaders expressing concern over potential security repercussions. Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, reaffirmed Trump’s stance against Hamas’s governance while expressing openness to regional inputs.
Hamas officials have publicly distanced themselves from such proposals, asserting that decisions concerning Gaza’s future must originate exclusively from Palestinian self-determination. They firmly dismiss any notion of foreign oversight or governance.
The absence of any mention of future elections in Egypt’s draft raises questions about long-term governance structures. Both Egyptian and Israeli authorities were approached regarding comments on this proposal, but responses were not forthcoming. Since taking control in 2007, Hamas has squelched any opposition and fortified its military presence in Gaza.
The Egyptian draft lacks clarity on funding sources needed to rebuild Gaza, with the UN estimating costs exceeding $53 billion. It proposes that the board could establish a fund to support governing efforts while also coordinating donor conferences aimed at securing necessary financial resources. The involvement of Gulf states is vital for financial commitments, particularly given their skepticism towards Hamas.
The proposal also emphasizes the importance of a Civil Society Advisory Board, comprising academics and NGO leaders, to facilitate collaborative governance and support for the transition of power in Gaza. Key aspects under consideration include establishing a durable system that can govern and support the populace effectively without reliance on Hamas.
Egypt’s initiative to outline a strategic plan for Gaza seeks to counter President Trump’s controversial proposals while seeking international support for reconstruction efforts. The drafted plan’s implications for governance and economic recovery underscore the complexities involved with Hamas’s existing power structure and the urgent need for collaborative efforts among Arab states. Although the outcome remains uncertain, key players in the region are urgently exploring viable pathways to restore stability and aid Gaza. The absence of designated financial commitments and clear governance roles continues to pose significant challenges, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure successful recovery for Gaza’s future. The international community’s involvement will be crucial in supporting long-term solutions.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
