Egypt proposes a plan to replace Hamas in Gaza governance with a mission led by Arab and international partners. The plan calls for an International Stabilization Force to support reconstruction while excluding Hamas and not involving the Palestinian Authority directly. The proposal lacks guaranteed funding and has faced opposition from Hamas leaders.
Egypt has proposed a governance plan for Gaza aimed at replacing the governing authority of Hamas. This proposal stands in contrast to U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for transforming Gaza into a ‘Middle East Riviera.’ The draft of this plan, which Reuters accessed, will be presented at an upcoming Arab League summit in Cairo and focuses on establishing an International Governance Assistance Mission to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.
The plan emphasizes that international funds for Gaza’s reconstruction will not be available as long as Hamas maintains control over local governance. Instead, it recommends an International Stabilization Force led by Arab nations, with financial support expected from donor conferences. Notably, Hamas has been excluded from this arrangement, and the Palestinian Authority does not play a central role, as a steering board comprising various international stakeholders is proposed to oversee the implementation process.
In a significant deviation from Trump’s approach, the Egyptian plan does not support the resettlement of Gaza’s residents during reconstruction efforts, aiming instead for a more stable political solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed Trump’s vision, calling it ‘visionary and innovative,’ while acknowledging U.S. support during the conflict.
When questioned about Egypt’s proposal, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes affirmed Trump’s commitment to his post-war Gaza vision but noted that input from Arab partners is appreciated. Hughes stated that Trump’s strategy has played a role in facilitating regional discussions and mitigating crises.
The United Nations estimates the cost for Gaza’s reconstruction exceeds $53 billion. Although Egypt’s plan lacks specific funding mechanisms, it suggests countries in the Gulf and the Arab world would be required to contribute at least $20 billion initially, without binding financial commitments included.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri responded to reports of the Egyptian plan, stating that Hamas is not aware of any such proposal and opposes external interference in Gaza’s future. He asserted, ‘The future of Gaza must be determined solely by the Palestinians,’ highlighting Hamas’s rejection of any foreign administration or military presence in the region.
In summary, Egypt’s governance proposal for Gaza seeks to establish interim governance free from Hamas control, emphasizing humanitarian aid while excluding the Palestinian Authority from central involvement. The initiative aims to secure international funding contingent upon Hamas’s removal and introduces an International Stabilization Force led by Arab states. Hamas has shown opposition to external influence in Gaza’s governance.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
