Saudi Arabia is leading Arab nations to craft an alternative to Trump’s Gaza plan, emphasizing a pathway to Palestinian statehood and rejecting displacement of its population. Key proposals involve forming a Palestinian governance structure without Hamas’s involvement and initiating a Gulf reconstruction fund. European nations are also collaborating for solutions within this context, emphasizing regional stability.
Saudi Arabia is leading Arab nations in formulating an alternative to President Trump’s proposal for Gaza, claimed by ten sources in a Reuters report from February 14. This proposal, to be discussed at an upcoming Riyadh meeting also attended by Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, may include a Gulf-funded reconstruction initiative and an approach aimed at sidelining Hamas. The kingdom opposes Trump’s plan, asserting that any normalization of relations with Israel must include a pathway to Palestinian statehood.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent comments sparked controversy, suggesting the creation of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia. In response, Egyptian sources revealed that at least four alternative proposals have been drafted, with one from Egypt becoming central to the discussions. This proposal advocates for the formation of a Palestinian governing committee that excludes Hamas, ensuring international reconstruction efforts do not result in Palestinians being displaced.
European nations have been collaborating with Arab countries to oppose Trump’s proposal. Diplomats from Germany, France, the UK, and Italy are scheduled to engage in discussions with Arab states regarding this issue during the Munich Security Conference that began on February 14. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that Minister Badr Abdel Aati discussed with French President Macron the development of a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, emphasizing that it should be conducted without displacing residents.
Trump’s plan suggests relocating the Gaza population to neighboring nations for their safety, while allegedly allowing international teams to manage reconstruction. However, this approach has been met with strong resistance from both Jordan and Egypt, which have refused to accept Palestinian refugees. Furthermore, Trump has stated that returning to Gaza would not be an option for displaced Palestinians, with Netanyahu actively supporting the plan.
In summary, Saudi Arabia is spearheading efforts among Arab nations to present a counterproposal to Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, focusing on Palestinian governance without Hamas. The international community, including European countries, is actively seeking collaborative solutions to ensure the stability and rights of Palestinian residents remain intact. As discussions progress, the commitment to a two-state solution emerges as a pivotal point in these developments.
Original Source: thecradle.co