Egypt plans to present a Gaza proposal at an Arab League summit to counter Trump’s plan, which excludes Hamas and suggests a temporary governance model. The framework emphasizes humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, yet lacks clarity on the governance structure, financial responsibilities, and Hamas’s role. The proposal aims for regional collaboration, prioritizing Palestinian expertise, while the feasibility relies on support from Arab nations for reconstruction efforts.
Egypt is set to present a proposal for Gaza at an upcoming Arab League summit, which aims to counter US President Donald Trump’s controversial Middle East plan, perceived as sidelining Hamas. The Egyptian plan seeks to replace the existing Hamas administration with interim governance led by a cooperative effort from Arab, Muslim, and Western nations. However, the proposal does not clarify whether implementation would precede or follow a permanent peace agreement.
Despite Egypt’s efforts, the governance of Gaza post-conflict remains a contentious issue, with Hamas rejecting any externally imposed solutions. The draft outlines a Governance Assistance Mission to take over humanitarian aid and reconstruction, but crucial questions such as financial responsibilities and governance specifics remain unanswered. Egypt’s plan certainly does not support mass displacements of Gazans, reflecting concerns from neighboring Arab states.
The initiative highlights a significant shift from the US approach, emphasizing local governance while excluding Hamas. Arab states are cooperating to develop a diplomatic stance against Trump’s vision, with Egypt’s plan as a leading option. However, its acceptance by Arab leaders remains uncertain.
The governance and security framework suggests that Palestinians will have a role in the recovery process, leveraging local expertise. A new International Stabilization Force, primarily composed of Arab states, would assist in maintaining order in the aftermath of the conflict, crafted to address the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its military capabilities.
Crucially, the proposal lacks an approach to funding Gaza’s reconstruction, estimated at over $53 billion, with initial support potentially sourced from Gulf Arab states. The idea includes establishing a steering board to facilitate both governance and financial support, yet there are no definitive commitments. This uncertainty is reflected in the muted responses from major Arab nations regarding financial pledges for reconstruction efforts, particularly from the UAE, known for its opposition to Hamas.
Ultimately, the Egyptian initiative calls for collaboration among Arab states and involvement from academic and NGO representatives to ensure a locally-empowered recovery strategy for Gaza. Yet, questions linger about political dynamics, Hamas’s role, and the absence of a strong Palestinian Authority presence in these discussions.
Egypt’s Gaza proposal aims to replace Hamas with a governance body managed by Arab, Muslim, and Western nations, with a focus on humanitarian aid and reconstruction. However, critical issues such as governance specifics, reconstruction funding, and the role of Hamas remain unresolved. The plan seeks to consolidate regional cooperation against Trump’s controversial vision while emphasizing the necessity of local Palestinian involvement in future governance. The ultimate success of this initiative depends on financial commitments and broader Arab support.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com