Arab leaders from seven countries met in Saudi Arabia to discuss an alternative plan for Gaza, rejecting Trump’s proposal to forcibly displace residents. They aim to create a unified plan for presentation at the March 4 Arab League meeting. The talks emphasized a reconstruction strategy proposed by Egypt as part of a ceasefire deal, focusing on Palestinian rights and regional stability.
Seven Arab nations convened in Saudi Arabia to devise an alternative plan for Gaza, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to permanently displace Gaza’s residents, transforming the area into a luxurious enclave. Leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain convened in Riyadh, seeking to uphold Palestinian self-determination while countering Trump’s plan, which they deemed a threat to regional stability. They aim to present a unified alternative at the upcoming Arab League meeting on March 4 in Cairo.
The meeting, initiated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, included prominent figures such as King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. While media reports indicate efforts are underway to develop a cohesive response to Trump’s proposal, no official statements regarding specific outcomes from the discussions have been released as of now. A major focus of the meeting was to build support around a reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt, which is part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported that discussions commenced with an Egyptian reconstruction proposal structured into three phases intended to halt hostilities. While the first phase involves monitored fighting pauses and hostage exchanges, the latter phases would require a comprehensive cessation of conflict and plans for rebuilding Gaza. Arab leaders hope to enhance the Egyptian proposal to ensure global receptiveness and alignment with international expectations.
Significant challenges remain, particularly regarding funding mechanisms for the reconstruction, estimated at a costly $53 billion. This figure includes immediate needs exceeding $20 billion within the first three years post-conflict. Moreover, complex dynamics surrounding the political governance of Gaza and security arrangements must be addressed simultaneously in any reconstruction blueprint. Analysts highlighted the urgency of a consensus from Egypt and Jordan, particularly given Trump’s pressure concerning displaced Palestinians in potential relocations.
Cairo has yet to publicly disclose its reconstruction framework, but previous insights from a former diplomat suggest a phased approach involving an international conference to ensure comprehensive infrastructure restoration. A final phase would aim to fulfill housing needs and establish a political pathway towards a two-state solution. Observers caution that any Arab initiative must incorporate interlinked economic, political, and security elements to achieve lasting impact, given the multifaceted nature of the Palestinian issue.
As articulated by former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Hussein Haridy, the stakes are significant for both Palestine and Arab nations: “Allow me to quote William Shakespeare, it’s ‘to be, or not to be’ for the Arab world today. If the Trump proposal comes to carry the day, then that would be the end of the struggle – the Arab struggle and the Palestinian struggle – of seven decades.”
The recent meeting of Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia illustrates a concerted effort to propose an alternative plan for Gaza that emphasizes Palestinian rights and self-determination, in direct opposition to Trump’s proposal. The collaboration aims to present a unified front for upcoming discussions with international stakeholders to ensure a sustainable peace in the region. The urgency of developing a coherent plan that integrates reconstruction and governance issues remains a critical concern for all involved nations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
