The UAE is pressuring the Trump administration to reject Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan endorsed by the Arab League. This rivalry reflects growing competition over Gaza’s governance and the influence of Hamas, raising concerns for US interests. The UAE seeks to leverage its relationship with the US to advocate for its agenda, complicating US-Egypt relations amid fears of potential military aid cuts. The situation underscores a complex geopolitical landscape affecting the region’s future post-war governance.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively lobbying the Trump administration to reject a Gaza reconstruction plan, which has been drafted by Egypt and supported by the Arab League. This schism indicates a rise in Arab competition regarding the governance of the Gaza Strip and differing opinions on the role of Hamas. US diplomats are increasingly concerned that such discord may compromise American interests in the region.
The UAE’s lobbying efforts create a challenging situation for Egypt, despite the two nations sharing support for the same Palestinian figure, Mohammed Dahlan. “The UAE could not be the lone state opposing the Arab League plan when it was agreed, but they are trashing it with the Trump administration,” remarked a US official. Additionally, the UAE signals strong discontent regarding Cairo’s perceived leniency toward Hamas, while utilizing its close ties with US policymakers.
Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAE’s ambassador to the US, has reportedly urged American officials to pressure Egypt into accepting displaced Palestinians. He has previously indicated a lack of alternatives to President Trump’s suggestion of relocating Palestinians beyond Gaza. The regional dynamics are further complicated by the UAE’s opposition to Hamas due to its affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization that both the UAE and Egypt have sought to diminish.
Egypt’s Gaza plan has faced criticism from the UAE for not providing specific measures on disarming Hamas. Egyptian officials assert that the outlined governance structure will be managed by the Palestinian Authority, with security forces trained by Jordan and Egypt, and potentially overseen by UN peacekeepers. However, Israel’s rejection of internationalizing the situation poses an obstacle.
Tensions continue to mount as the ceasefire negotiated by the US in January appears to be deteriorating, with increased violence in Gaza, including recent Israeli airstrikes. Amidst these developments, the Trump administration’s discussions involving Hamas’ release of captives have caused further unrest among US lawmakers and the Israeli government.
Concern has also arisen regarding the Trump administration’s stance on US military aid to Egypt, with warnings of potential cuts by 2026. Egyptian officials are apprehensive over the implications of the UAE’s influence on US-Egyptian relations, especially in light of the diminishing leverage the US holds over Egypt compared to years past.
The rivalry between the UAE and Egypt is further compounded by both nations’ aspirations for Dahlan to lead governance in post-war Gaza. While the UAE has invested heavily in Egypt’s economy, there are underlying tensions, particularly over differing positions in regional conflicts, such as the war in Sudan.
In the geopolitical context, the Trump administration’s apparent indifference toward Egypt’s Gaza strategy has not gone unnoticed by US State Department officials. Meanwhile, international endorsement of Egypt’s plan by Western nations contrasts sharply with the US’s cooler reception, raising questions about future diplomatic dynamics in the region.
In conclusion, the UAE’s lobbying against Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan reflects a deeper rivalry among Arab states regarding influence in Gaza’s future. As both nations vie for positioning, the complexities of US military aid and diplomatic relations further entangle the situation. The divergent strategies of the UAE and Egypt, compounded by external pressures from the Trump administration, suggest a precarious path for regional stability and governance in Gaza. Ultimately, the fate of the Gaza Strip may hinge on confronting these geopolitical tensions while striving toward a unified approach to peace and reconstruction.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
