Arab Nations Gather in Cairo to Forge Alternative to Trump’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Arab Nations Gather in Cairo to Forge Alternative to Trump’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan

In a critical meeting held in Cairo, Arab leaders convened on Tuesday to explore a counterproposal to President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza plan. The emergency summit primarily focused on Egypt’s comprehensive reconstruction blueprint for Gaza, which carries a hefty price tag of $53 billion.

Shifting Dynamics in Arab Perspectives

Before Trump’s proposal suggested relocating Gazans outside their territory, interest in Gaza’s reconstruction from Egypt and other Arab nations was relatively low. However, after Egypt rejected the idea of resettling displaced Palestinians—citing national security concerns—it now finds itself in a position where it must create its own plan for Gaza’s future.

Overview of Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan

With key details emerging from Arab media, Egypt’s plan presents an alternative vision for Gaza’s reconstruction, distinct from Trump’s approach. The proposal includes establishing a temporary administrative committee to oversee Gaza for the first six months, although Palestinians have firmly stated their opposition to any governing body that does not consist of their representatives or allows foreign forces within Gazan territory. Initial projections suggest the reconstruction efforts will take a minimum of four and a half years.

Greater Focus on Palestinian Leadership and Rights

Egypt’s two-phased plan divides the reconstruction efforts into distinct timelines. The initial phase, estimated to last for two years with a budget of approximately $20 billion, will focus on immediate reconstruction needs. The subsequent phase, spanning two and a half years, allocates $30 billion primarily for rebuilding infrastructure in war-torn residential areas.

Importantly, this plan emphasizes the non-displacement of Gaza’s current residents, a stark contrast to Trump’s proposal. Additionally, it underscores the significance of Palestinian-led initiatives, with the Palestinian Authority, in collaboration with Egypt and Jordan, set to train a local police force to maintain order in Gaza. Nevertheless, Hamas has already rejected this plan, and the Palestinian Authority has indicated reluctance to engage in reconstruction while Hamas retains control.

Potential Funding and International Relations

Insights from Ghaith Al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, reveal the underlying dynamics of funding and demands. He noted that Saudi Arabia and several Gulf states expressed willingness to finance Gaza’s reconstruction, provided there is a viable path toward a Palestinian state and a resolution regarding Hamas’s presence in Gaza. These nations are expected to push for a symbolic role for the Palestinian Authority to ensure diplomatic validation in the process.

The Complexity of Disarmament and Security

Commentator Danny Zaken highlighted the intricacies surrounding Hamas’s future in Gaza. He noted that the Egyptian plan’s final draft will likely refrain from making explicit demands to disarm or remove Hamas. Instead, it will propose that qualified Palestinian security forces, supported by Egypt, maintain order, aiming to secure broad approval without directly confronting Hamas’s status. Yet, such an approach lacks feasibility unless financial resources guarantee implementation.

Political Challenges on the Horizon

Al-Omari brings attention to the challenge of establishing a stable security situation amidst political posturing at Arab League summits. He remarked that although the Palestinian Authority lacks the capacity to manage security effectively, no Arab nation is keen to send troops into Gaza. Compounding this is the pressure from U.S. authorities for regional allies to contribute to reconstruction efforts.

Egypt’s Construction Readiness Amid Regional Tensions

An Egyptian diplomatic source conveyed a sense of urgency regarding the reconstruction logistics. The source stated that Egyptian construction firms are poised to commence rebuilding efforts, contingent on political backing from Israel and the United States. Despite this readiness, Egyptian ambitions have stirred apprehensions among key Gulf states, which are expected to bear the financial burden of reconstruction. Concerns over corruption in the allocation of funds further complicate these dynamics.

Jordan’s Role and Diplomatic Positioning

Jordan has maintained an important diplomatic role without direct involvement in reconstruction debates. Following a meeting between Jordan’s King Abdullah and Trump, Jordanian officials felt relieved, believing that the pressure to accommodate displaced Gazans had shifted to Egypt and its neighbors. This relief grants Jordan a moment to reassess its own standing within the regional political landscape.

The Uncertain Future of Gaza

As discussions about Gaza’s rehabilitation continue, Arab leaders face a complex challenge in navigating Trump’s unpredictable policies. Al-Omari suggests that governments are currently considering discreet strategies to moderate Trump’s stance on Gaza’s demographics. While immediate outcomes appear unlikely, there is cautious hope that ongoing discussions might steer Trump away from extreme measures involving population changes.

Endless Talks Amidst a Cycle of Uncertainty

Despite the urgency surrounding the Cairo summit, a former diplomatic source succinctly captured the current state of affairs: there remains no solidified plan, merely a collection of ideas. Leaders are vying to frame discussions to suit their national interests, yet until the status of Hamas is addressed, substantive progress remains elusive.