Egypt, Arab countries meet to discuss Trump’s Gaza plan, offer counterproposal

Palestinians in Gaza are expressing their desire to leave the Hamas-ruled enclave, as reported by the Center for Peace Communications. This comes amidst an emergency summit held in Cairo, where Arab leaders gathered to present a counterproposal to President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan. Egypt has put forth a $53 billion comprehensive reconstruction blueprint for Gaza, in response to Trump’s proposal to resettle Gazans outside the enclave.

Initially, Arab states showed little interest in Gaza’s reconstruction. However, Egypt’s plan has sparked renewed efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Egyptian proposal outlines a two-phase plan, with the first phase lasting two years and costing approximately $20 billion. The second phase spans two and a half years with a $30 billion allocation. The focus of the plan is on rebuilding residential areas devastated by conflict.

Importantly, Egypt’s plan does not call for the displacement of Gaza’s residents, as Trump’s proposal does. It emphasizes the importance of Palestinian-led reconstruction efforts and collaboration with the Palestinian Authority to train a police force for Gaza. However, Hamas has rejected the plan, and the Palestinian Authority has stated that it will not engage in reconstruction efforts as long as Hamas remains in control.

Arab leaders are grappling with the challenge of finding a solution that addresses the political complexities of the region. The role of Hamas in Gaza remains a contentious issue, with calls for the demilitarization of the enclave and the removal of Hamas from power. Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, are seeking assurances from Israel in exchange for funding reconstruction efforts.

While Egypt is eager to lead the reconstruction process, there are concerns about political interference and corruption. Gulf states, expected to finance much of the effort, are wary of Egyptian corruption and are demanding oversight to ensure funds are not misappropriated. Jordan, which has played a diplomatic role in the discussions, is focused on managing pressure related to accepting displaced Gazans.

The future of Gaza remains uncertain as Arab leaders navigate Trump’s stance on the region. Efforts are underway to engage in a covert process to influence Trump’s position on Gaza and prevent the depopulation of the enclave. As the summit progresses, the primary focus remains on resolving the fate of Hamas and shaping a plan that addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.