Egypt and Jordan successfully influenced Trump to support their post-war plan for Gaza, steering away from forced displacement proposals. Hamas’s agreement to release captives further strengthened Egypt’s position, while Sisi’s upcoming talks in Riyadh signal continued momentum. With reconstruction costs expected to exceed $50 billion, there is a focus on regional governance and collaboration among Palestinian factions.
Recent discussions between Egypt, Jordan, and U.S. President Donald Trump suggest a shift away from plans for forced Palestinian displacement from Gaza. A senior Egyptian official reported that Trump has now endorsed an Egyptian-led post-war plan, which is expected to have wide Arab support. This change in stance follows King Abdullah II of Jordan’s influential meeting with Trump that highlighted the potential consequences of his initial proposal, warning that it might incite Islamic extremism and destabilize pro-Western regimes in the region.
As a result of this diplomatic push, Egypt negotiated the release of six captives from Hamas, exceeding the requirements of the ceasefire agreement. Integral to this development was the agreement that Israel would allow essential reconstruction materials, including mobile homes and heavy machinery, into Gaza, addressing Hamas’s concerns regarding the ceasefire’s enforcement.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is planning to visit Riyadh to further discuss the governance of Gaza post-conflict, a move reported by Reuters. The backlash against Trump’s initial proposal had raised concerns among U.S. allies in the Arab world about its implications and potential regional fallout.
Stakeholders are speculating whether Trump genuinely aims for U.S. occupation of Gaza or is leveraging the idea to attain concessions from Arab nations. Recent statements by U.S. lawmakers also reflect a diminishing appetite for such an approach, emphasizing Arab propositions for normalizing relations with Israel alongside Palestinian self-governance.
Various Arab proposals aim to establish governance in Gaza with participation from non-Hamas factions, emphasizing a collaborative Arab-led governance model. The former Palestinian Authority’s willingness to reassert control indicates a potential shift in dynamics, though the Egyptian official touted a model ensuring Hamas’s cooperation without direct PA involvement.
The reconstruction of Gaza demands significant financial investment, with estimates exceeding $50 billion over several years, according to a joint report that includes projections from global bodies like the UN and World Bank. Ensuring adequate security measures and foreign involvement during the rebuilding phase will be critical to avoid the pitfalls faced in other post-conflict scenarios.
The evolving diplomatic situation surrounding Gaza involves a significant shift in U.S. policy, moving away from earlier proposals for forced Palestinian displacement. As Egypt takes a lead role with Arab backing, negotiations seek a sustainable governance model for Gaza that includes various Palestinian factions while focusing on substantial reconstruction efforts. Overall, the push for a cooperative plan could reshape the region’s political landscape if successfully implemented.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
