The UAE is working to persuade the Trump administration to reject an Arab League Gaza plan put forward by Egypt. This tension reflects broader Arab rivalries concerning Gaza’s governance, particularly regarding the role of Hamas. Diplomatic relations may be impacted by US military aid considerations and regional dynamics involving key figures like Mohammed Dahlan.
The UAE is actively lobbying the Trump administration to reject an Arab League-backed plan for Gaza, crafted by Egypt. US and Egyptian officials indicate that this maneuver raises concerns over US interests in the region and highlights a growing rivalry among Arab states regarding Gaza’s governance and the role of Hamas. The UAE’s actions conflict with Egypt’s strategy, despite both countries supporting Mohammed Dahlan as a key leader for Gaza’s future.
Emirati Ambassador to the US, Yousef al-Otaiba, is lobbying influential circles to criticize the Gaza plan. He has suggested that Egypt should accept forcibly displaced Palestinians, aligning with an earlier Trump administration proposal. This stance puts Egyptian diplomacy in a difficult position given their historical connections with Hamas and the military-controlled government’s opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Hamas is a branch.
The UAE has criticized the Egyptian plan for its vagueness regarding the disarmament of Hamas. Egyptian officials clarify that governance would fall under the Palestinian Authority and that security training would be provided by Jordan and Egypt. While Hamas accepts the plan, Israeli opposition to internationalizing the conflict poses a significant hurdle.
Recent reports indicate that the ceasefire brokered by the US has unraveled, risking a resurgence of conflict, especially as Israel has escalated military operations in Gaza. Despite initial support, the Trump administration seems to lean towards endorsing Israel’s military actions, creating friction across multiple fronts, particularly with the UAE.
The ongoing Emirati campaign may already be influencing US-Egypt relations, with the US warning of a potential cut to military aid by 2026. This appears to stem from Egypt’s perceived failures in managing the Gaza border and reflects broader dissatisfaction with Egypt’s role in the regional power dynamics.
Both Egypt and the UAE are vying for influence in Gaza through Dahlan, despite their complicating ties due to their respective approaches to Sudan, where they back rival factions. Within this geopolitical landscape, discussions have expanded to include forcibly displaced Palestinians in neighboring states, further complicating US foreign policy approaches amid varying international endorsements.
Trump’s administration has refrained from fully committing to the Arab League’s Gaza plan, frustrating career diplomats who see merit in the proposed framework backed by several European countries. With allegations that Trump’s decisions were made based on private discussions rather than official recommendations, the intricate dynamics of Arab diplomacy and US interests continue to evolve.
The UAE’s lobbying against the Arab League plan for Gaza illustrates the complex interplay of regional power dynamics, historical relationships, and conflicting political interests among Arab nations. As the US reassesses its diplomatic and military aid strategies, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, with implications for broader Middle Eastern peace efforts and stability. Egypt and the UAE’s rivalry over Gaza governance illustrates the growing competition among Arab states, compounded by the influence of major powers like the US.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
