Egypt is promoting a plan to govern Gaza post-conflict that excludes Hamas, aiming to establish interim authorities controlled by Arab and Western states. This initiative does not currently outline who will finance Gaza’s reconstruction, which is estimated to cost over $53 billion. The proposal faces opposition from Hamas, which rejects any external governance or military presence.
The Egyptian plan for Gaza, set to debut at an upcoming Arab League summit, aims to supplant Hamas with transitional governing bodies comprised of Arab, Muslim, and Western states. This proposal follows US President Trump’s controversial vision, which advocated for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza, diverging from the traditional two-state solution.
The Egyptian vision does not address critical queries, such as funding sources for Gaza’s reconstruction or the governance structure post-conflict. It also faces immediate rejection from Hamas, which opposes external imposition and foreign military presence.
The Governance Assistance Mission in Egypt’s blueprint seeks to facilitate humanitarian aid and kickstart reconstruction efforts in Gaza. However, without displacing Hamas as a key player, significant international support for rebuilding is deemed unlikely.
A potential stabilization force primarily composed of Arab states would oversee security matters in Gaza. A steering committee, including influential Arab nations and other international stakeholders, would guide governance and security arrangements while excluding potential central control by the Palestinian Authority, which exhibits limited support among Gazans.
Financial requirements to rebuild Gaza are substantial, with estimates exceeding $53 billion. Initial commitments of at least $20 billion from Arab and Gulf states are anticipated to be necessary. Still, Gulf states remain cautious in their financial support until Hamas’s role is diminished, complicating the reconstruction process further.
Furthermore, the plan emphasizes collaboration with a Civil Society Advisory Board comprised of local experts and organizations. This body is envisioned to support the interim governing set-up, integrating Palestinian expertise to ensure effective governance in Gaza’s recovery.
Egypt’s draft plan proposes a significant shift in Gaza’s governance by sidelining Hamas in favor of interim bodies supported by Arab and Western powers. It aspires to establish a stable framework for humanitarian aid and reconstruction, contingent upon the restructuring of power dynamics and significant financial backing from the international community, particularly Gulf states. However, the success of this initiative is questionable amidst skepticism from Hamas and the unresolved financing complexities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
