In a recent development, President Trump reportedly backs an Egyptian plan for Gaza, moving away from a previous forced displacement strategy. Key outcomes from King Abdullah II’s meeting included a commitment to Palestinian governance and reconstruction funding. Egypt and Jordan view these diplomatic strides positively, with Hamas agreeing to release captives, indicating progress towards stability and recovery in Gaza.
Recent developments indicate that United States President Donald Trump has opted to endorse an Egyptian plan for Gaza following a pivotal meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan. This endorsement appears to mark a shift away from Trump’s previous strategy, which involved the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. As relayed by a senior Egyptian official under anonymity, both Egypt and Jordan perceive this outcome as a significant achievement, asserting, “This will be an Egyptian plan adopted and supported by the Arabs.”
King Abdullah’s visit to the United States proved critical in persuading President Trump against implementing a plan that would forcibly displace Palestinians, potentially inciting regional instability. The Egyptian official commented positively on the outcome of the closed-door discussions, noting Trump’s receptive demeanor during the meeting. They highlighted Abdullah’s private caution to Trump regarding the risks his plan posed to pro-US governments in the region, indicating that it could foment Islamic extremism.
The negotiations led by Egypt have resulted in Hamas agreeing to release six captives as part of the ceasefire agreement, effectively doubling the figure initially stipulated. Concurrently, Israel has relaxed restrictions on essential construction equipment entering Gaza, which Hamas had previously claimed was being withheld. This improvement in conditions has further signaled strong cooperation between Cairo and Trump’s administration, aligning with Egypt’s proposal for governance in post-war Gaza.
Forthcoming talks regarding Gaza governance are anticipated, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt set to travel to Saudi Arabia to further discuss Egypt’s strategic plan. This comes amid ongoing speculation regarding the actual intentions behind Trump’s Gaza takeover proposal, as some suggest that it was primarily a negotiation tactic to extract favorable terms from Arab states. Senator Lindsey Graham echoed a growing consensus among legislators, noting minimal desire for U.S. control over Gaza.
In response to these developments, Israel has established mechanisms to facilitate the voluntary relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. Meanwhile, discussions have emerged among Arab nations and the Palestinian Authority regarding potential governance frameworks that could exclude Hamas. Reports suggest that Hamas may be willing to concede control to a new Palestinian government that eschews affiliation with either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, thereby potentially alleviating internal tensions in Gaza.
Despite these negotiations, there remain significant uncertainties surrounding security control within Gaza. The Egyptian official revealed that their proposal aims to circumvent a situation similar to Lebanon’s post-civil war era, where militant groups retained armed capabilities beyond state control. The forthcoming reconstruction of Gaza is projected to require upwards of $50 billion, with pressing initial needs estimated at around $20 billion in the first three years, highlighting the extensive financial backing required to support a stable future in the region.
In conclusion, the latest diplomatic efforts led by Egypt and Jordan have successfully influenced President Trump’s position on the Gaza crisis, demonstrating a collaborative Arab initiative aimed at establishing a sustainable governance plan. With Hamas agreeing to a release of captives and preparations for significant reconstruction funding underway, the region anticipates a shift towards stabilizing Gaza under a new governance model, while addressing the complexities associated with security and political representation among Palestinians.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
