The UAE is lobbying against an Egyptian-drafted Gaza reconstruction plan endorsed by the Arab League, reflecting growing Arab competition over Gaza’s governance. This discord poses challenges for US interests in the region, as the UAE’s push complicates US-Egyptian relations amidst escalating tensions over military aid and Palestinian displacement. In addition, both countries share support for Mohammed Dahlan as a possible power broker, fueling further entanglement in regional politics.
Officials from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are actively lobbying the Trump administration to reject an Arab League-supported plan for post-war reconstruction in Gaza, crafted by Egypt. This disagreement is intensifying, with US diplomats voicing concerns that it is detrimental to American interests in the region. The rivalry suggests a struggle among Arab states regarding control over Gaza’s future and differing views on the role of Hamas moving forward.
This push by the UAE creates a complex situation for Egypt, considering both nations support Mohammed Dahlan, an exiled former Fatah member, as a potential leader for Gaza. A US official stated, “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.” The UAE is leveraging its strong ties with the White House to voice criticisms of the Egyptian-led plan, labeling it impractical and accusing Egypt of giving excessive power to Hamas.
The UAE’s ambassador to the US, Yousef al-Otaiba, is reportedly advocating for US pressure on Egypt to accept the resettlement of displaced Palestinians, reflecting his previous stance in favor of resignations in Gaza. The UAE’s animosity toward Hamas is intensified by its association with the Muslim Brotherhood, which the UAE is intent on eliminating throughout the region. Although Egypt’s government has similarly suppressed the Brotherhood, it maintains limited communications with Hamas.
The UAE has challenged the clarity of Egypt’s Gaza plan, particularly criticizing it for failing to outline a strategy to disarm Hamas. In contrast, Egyptian officials assert that governance would prefer the Palestinian Authority’s involvement, while plans for a new security force trained by Jordan and Egypt are in place. Despite Hamas expressing acceptance of the plan, Israel’s opposition to international oversight remains significant.
Amidst talks of a truce that has collapsed in Gaza, tensions continue to rise as the US revisits military aid to Egypt. Current reports indicate that the Trump administration may reduce military assistance, thereby impacting the longstanding financial relationship between the US and Egypt. An Egyptian official conveyed that the US has warned of reassessing its aid, yet the precise nature of such risks remains unaddressed, leaving Egypt uncertain about future support.
The relationship between Egypt and the UAE is complicated by their backing of Dahlan, as both nations aim for influence in Gaza’s governance post-conflict. Following the Arab League endorsement of Egypt’s plan, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signaled acknowledgment of Dahlan’s role, aiming for future leadership opportunities. Moreover, while the UAE supports Egypt’s governmental efforts, their conflicting positions in a civil war in Sudan further complicate matters.
The Trump administration’s disengagement from Egypt’s Gaza plan has frustrated several US State Department officials, who observe European nations endorsing the reconstruction framework. The administration’s back-and-forth approach to the Palestinian issue has sown confusion and tension, particularly following President Trump’s comments on the expulsion of Palestinians, which he later retracted after discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
In summary, the UAE’s lobbying of the Trump administration against Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan illustrates escalating tensions among Arab states concerning the governance of Gaza and the role of Hamas. Both Egypt and the UAE share a vested interest in backing Mohammed Dahlan yet find themselves on opposing sides of the reconstruction strategy. This ongoing rivalry further complicates US-Egyptian relations and regional dynamics, while the broader implications for Palestinian governance and stability remain uncertain.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
