Egypt’s complex response to Trump’s Gaza Riviera Plan involves multi-stage diplomatic efforts aimed at unifying regional support against U.S. pressure. Key Arab leaders have shown reluctance to fully back Egypt, exposing deep divisions regarding Gaza’s governance and refugee resettlement. Concurrently, the Palestinian Authority proposes an alternative plan that has faced significant skepticism. Egypt seeks to navigate these dynamics while securing necessary financial support to address Gaza’s future.
Egypt’s response to President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza Riviera Plan, which aims for Egypt and Jordan to accept numerous Gazan refugees, has been structured and multi-faceted. This approach highlights the plight faced by Jordan, which may shoulder the most burden while seeking Egypt’s support and assistance from its Persian Gulf allies to distance itself from the U.S. proposition. To counteract the challenges posed by the plan, Egypt has devised an alternative, phased strategy designed to garner broad regional support.
A high-level mini-summit in Riyadh on February 21 marked Egypt’s initial response, involving leaders such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and other Gulf leaders. The summit aimed to collaboratively address the pressure from the U.S. and assess the region’s capacity to resist such impending policies. Following this, Egypt sent an unofficial delegation to Washington on February 26, aiming to engage with U.S. officials and influence adjustments to the Gaza strategy, potentially reshaping Cairo’s approach.
As tensions escalated, an emergency Arab summit was convened on March 4, aiming to fortify regional solidarity. However, notable absences, particularly that of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), underscored existing divisions within the Arab coalition. Their absence signaled reluctance to publicly support Egypt’s stance without significant concessions, revealing a lack of unity in addressing the issue.
The growing chasm between the involved Arab states has emerged, particularly highlighted by differing opinions regarding Gaza’s future governance. While some leaders are open to accommodating some refugees, they insist on reducing the influence of Hamas, which Egypt supports to a degree. Meanwhile, the UAE’s proposal for an international monitoring body in Gaza has met with swift rejection from Cairo, indicating stark contrasts in approach among the Arab states.
Compounding these diplomatic challenges, U.S. officials have actively sought to influence the situation, offering Saudi Arabia investment incentives to sway Egypt and Jordan toward Trump’s Gaza plan. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority (PA) under President Mahmoud Abbas is pursuing a separate initiative that seeks to restore PA governance over Gaza, which Egypt and the UAE consider outdated and unfeasible.
Despite the endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction strategy at the summit, significant hurdles persist. The PA’s absence at critical gatherings and skepticism regarding its governance abilities highlight the challenges facing any proposed solution. U.S. officials remain committed to a framework that excludes Hamas, complicating Egypt’s attempts to outline a viable plan for Gaza’s future.
To navigate this impasse, Egypt sent a delegation comprised of experienced Mubarak-era politicians to Washington, engaging high-ranking U.S. officials to solicit support. Egypt’s strategy now includes potential modifications to appeal to both American interests and regional priorities, seeking to maintain a central role in the Palestinian situation while adapting to shifting dynamics.
In summary, Egypt’s intricate maneuvering to counteract Trump’s Gaza Riviera Plan reflects a broader struggle within the Arab world. The lack of unity among key players underscores existing rivalries and differing perspectives on governance and refugee management. Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by external influences, particularly from the U.S., complicating efforts for a cohesive and effective resolution. While Egypt aims to sustain its relevance in regional politics, a range of challenges persists, necessitating creative diplomatic efforts and potential partnerships beyond traditional allies.
Original Source: thecradle.co
