Arab nations have publicly rejected Trump’s Gaza takeover plan but may covertly support it to address Hamas’s influence. Former negotiator Avi Melamed suggests these countries seek a solution to their security problems, despite strong public opposition to relocating Gazans. The proposed plan faces significant logistical and political challenges, with responses from regional leaders emphasizing the need for Palestinians to remain in their land.
Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations have publicly dismissed President Trump’s proposal to evacuate Gaza’s 2.3 million residents for US redevelopment. However, former Israel-Palestine negotiator Avi Melamed suggests they might covertly support it as a means to resolve long-standing conflicts and reduce Hamas’s influence. Melamed believes countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan could welcome US intervention in Gaza to address their regional security concerns regarding Hamas.
The Arab states have openly criticized Hamas after the group seized control of Gaza in 2007, considering it a threat, especially with its ties to Iran. These nations prefer the return of the Palestinian Authority to restore order. However, Melamed indicates significant changes, such as increased US presence in Gaza, may be necessary to alter the power dynamics.
Despite the potential covert support, Trump’s proposal has faced resistance, notably from Egypt and Jordan, who both rejected the idea of relocating Gaza’s population. Egyptian FM Badr Abdelatty emphasized rebuilding Gaza without displacing Palestinians, advocating for a two-state solution. Similarly, King Abdullah II of Jordan insisted any resolution must keep Palestinians in their homeland and not endorse settlement expansion.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, defended the plan by indicating that conditions in Gaza are untenable. He suggested that relocating Palestinians might be needed due to the dire circumstances in Gaza, expected to remain uninhabitable for the foreseeable future. Trump’s proposal aims to prompt Arab nations to devise their own strategies instead of rejecting the idea outright.
White House officials described Trump’s plan as a method to elicit responses from Arab nations, with national security adviser Mike Waltz asserting it could drive regional cooperation. Officials conveyed that Trump intends to disrupt traditional diplomatic approaches to foster peace, much like his unexpected campaign announcements in 2015, which often seemed implausible initially.
Alex Plitsas, a senior fellow at the Scowcroft Initiative, believes Trump’s proposal may not be practical due to logistical hurdles. He views it as a potential negotiating tactic necessitating careful navigation of complex regional realities and the volatile situation in Gaza. The outcome of the discussions with Arab leaders remains uncertain as the US seeks to clarify its vision for Gaza, with potential announcements expected after the upcoming meeting with King Abdullah II.
The article discusses the possible covert reactions of Arab nations to President Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Gaza, which involves the US taking control of the territory amid ongoing conflict. It explores the historical context of Hamas’s control over the region and the broader geopolitical implications of Trump’s plan for peace in the Middle East, especially in relation to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan’s interests.
The discussion reveals a nuanced response from Arab nations regarding Trump’s Gaza proposal, highlighting their public rejections while suggesting potential secret support as a means to address their concerns about Hamas. The proposal’s feasibility remains contested, with significant hurdles concerning logistics and political implications, leading to skepticism about its execution and the broader peace process in the region.
Original Source: nypost.com
