Arab leaders are meeting in Cairo to discuss Egypt’s proposal for Gaza, focusing on sidelining Hamas and establishing a governance model led by Arab, Muslim, and Western states, contrary to Trump’s vision. Despite the challenges, Egypt’s plan aims to address humanitarian issues while strategizing for Gaza’s reconstruction and stabilization amidst ongoing conflict.
Arab leaders are convening in Cairo to discuss Egypt’s alternative approach to the future governance of Gaza, focusing on a plan that would displace Hamas and establish interim governance through a coalition of Arab, Muslim, and Western states. This comes in contrast to US President Donald Trump’s controversial vision of a “Middle East Riviera,” which has raised concerns regarding the stability of the region following 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The central issue remains who will govern Gaza as the enclave continues to suffer from the impacts of ongoing warfare. Hamas has publicly declared its rejection of any externally imposed governance solutions. Egypt’s proposal aims to create a Governance Assistance Mission that would take over from Hamas, emphasizing humanitarian efforts and reconstruction, although the specifics of its implementation remain unclear.
According to insiders, Egypt’s model has gained significant traction among diplomats, with expectations that it would garner Israeli approval if it means removing Hamas from power. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri reiterated the group’s opposition to foreign imposition, insisting on the preservation of Palestinian autonomy in governance.
Moreover, Egypt’s plan staunchly opposes the US initiative to facilitate mass Palestinian displacement from Gaza, a potential outcome that regional leaders like Egypt and Jordan perceive as a dire security threat. While the Egyptian proposal lacks clarity on funding—estimated at over $53 billion to rebuild Gaza—support from wealthy Gulf states will be crucial for its success, with preliminary contributions expected to be around $20 billion.
The UAE, viewing Hamas as a significant threat, advocates for its complete disarmament, whereas other Arab nations prefer a more gradual disarmament approach. The demand for resources is heightened following the intense violence sparked by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in substantial casualties on both sides and exacerbated Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Ultimately, Egypt’s initiative envisions the formation of a steering committee that would oversee a fund to support governance efforts in Gaza, coupled with donor conferences aimed at outlining a long-term development strategy for the territory. This collaborative effort underscores a significant shift towards Arab leadership in addressing the plight of Gaza as it seeks to recover from prolonged conflict.
In conclusion, the forthcoming Arab summit in Cairo highlights Egypt’s proposal for restructuring Gaza’s governance with an emphasis on sidelining Hamas. The alternative plan seeks to address humanitarian needs while promoting stability in the region without resorting to the displacement strategies proposed by the United States. Moreover, the success of such initiatives will depend heavily on the financial commitment from the Gulf states and support for a cohesive governance structure in Gaza.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
