Egypt presents a $53 billion, 91-page plan for Gaza’s reconstruction post-conflict, proposing a non-partisan governance approach while not mentioning Hamas. Experts suggest Hamas remains pivotal in any future governance, indicating that the plan must accommodate its influence. The PA’s return hinges on rebuilding legitimacy within Palestinian society and addressing underlying issues such as the Israeli occupation.
In a recent Arab League summit in Cairo, Egypt unveiled a comprehensive 91-page plan for Gaza’s post-war future. The proposal encompasses a $53 billion budget and a five-year timeline aimed at addressing the devastation caused by the ongoing Israeli conflict. Significantly, the document offers a governance framework for Gaza but does not make any mention of Hamas, the group that has governed the territory since 2007.
The Arab initiative represents a counter-proposal to a plan by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggested forcibly expelling Palestinians from Gaza. Initially, the territory would operate under a non-partisan technocratic committee, supervised by the Palestinian Authority (PA) for a period of six months, followed by the PA’s full reinstatement in Gaza. Despite Hamas not being directly referenced, the group has expressed a favorable response to the plan, advocating for its implementation.
Although media coverage has suggested that the plan sidelines Hamas, experts underscore that the group will continue to play a crucial role in Gaza’s future dynamics. Academic Qossay Hamed noted, “Nobody will rule Gaza without Hamas’ agreement,” indicating that while Hamas may not directly engage in governance, it cannot be ignored. Similarly, Palestinian academic Sami al-Arian remarked that the bureaucratic structures established under Hamas’s leadership will not disappear swiftly.
Hamas has publicly stated that it is disinterested in assuming any administrative role in post-war Gaza. Hamed elaborated that Hamas prioritizes military resistance over political engagement, suggesting that while it may reduce its administrative role, it will not relinquish its military capabilities. The Egyptian plan addresses the presence of armed groups in Gaza, hinting at ongoing tensions surrounding the disarmament of these factions.
The proposal acknowledges the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of resistance, proposing a timeline for establishing a Palestinian state and a withdrawal of Israeli forces. Annelle Sheline, a former U.S. State Department official, asserted that as long as the United States supports Israel, it will perpetuate the status quo where groups like Hamas maintain influence.
Egypt’s plan includes provisions for training Palestinian police forces through local and regional collaborations, and suggests the need for an international presence to ensure stability in the region. Hamed contended that no administrative entity will successfully govern Gaza without Hamas’s concurrence.
For the PA, returning to Gaza would require rebuilding public support, as its legitimacy has waned under President Mahmoud Abbas. Experts believe that a transitional electoral process is essential to engender support among Palestinians. Some speculate that Hamas might rebrand itself politically to capture the sentiments of its base in Gaza.
Sheline pointed out the PA’s compromised status due to its history of cooperation with Israeli forces and corruption, which has significantly diminished its credibility among the Palestinian populace.
Abbas’s recent announcement of an amnesty for expelled Fatah members could signify shifts in internal dynamics. Marwan Barghouti, a politically significant figure, has emerged as a potential unifying leader across factions, although his release remains dependent on ongoing negotiations. The complexities of Palestinian leadership and the future of Gaza remain deeply intertwined with these changing political tides.
Ultimately, while Egypt’s post-war Gaza plan outlines a reconstruction framework, the interplay between Hamas, the PA, and the broader regional context will fundamentally shape the future governance and stability of the region.
In summary, Egypt’s proposal for Gaza emphasizes reconstruction while neglecting direct involvement of Hamas, which remains central to the territory’s governance. The plan envisions a phased return of the Palestinian Authority, but experts stress that any effective administration must involve Hamas. Furthermore, addressing the root causes of conflict, particularly the Israeli occupation, is critical for lasting peace. The evolving political landscape suggests that governance in Gaza will require careful negotiation among the key factions to ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
