Arab leaders are debating Egypt’s counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza reconstruction plan, emphasizing that residents should remain in Gaza while rebuilding occurs. The proposal opposes relocating Palestinians outside Gaza, with Egypt recommending an interim administrative mechanism. The situation remains fraught, with skepticism about disarming Hamas and ongoing tensions with Israel. A UN peacekeeping force may be proposed to assist during reconstruction efforts.
Arab leaders convened at an extraordinary summit in Cairo to deliberate on an Egyptian counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to reconstruct the Gaza Strip. Amidst skepticism from Arab media regarding the feasibility of Trump’s plan—particularly due to Hamas’ firm grip on Gaza—Egypt’s proposal advocates for retaining residents in temporary housing within Gaza during the redevelopment phase.
The Egyptian approach opposes Trump’s suggestion of resettling Palestinians outside Gaza, insisting instead on keeping them within the territory at designated locations while clearing rubble and demining. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude to President Trump for his efforts and emphasized the importance of establishing a coalition of technocrats to temporarily administer the territory as a new Palestinian police force is trained.
In light of the ongoing tensions in Gaza, with parenthetical remarks from Israel alleging Hamas’s misuse of humanitarian aid, aid shipments were suspended. Political sociology expert Said Sadek commented on the challenge of disarming Hamas and questioned how the group could be compelled to relinquish control for reconstruction.
Arab leaders are expected to support a UN proposal to establish a joint Arab-international peacekeeping force to manage Gaza during a transitional phase. However, Egypt remains hesitant to reclaim governance over Gaza, which it held from 1948 until 1967, when it was taken by Israel.
Arab League spokesperson Jamal Rushdy attempted to ease concerns over Egypt’s Gaza strategy by describing it as an initial step in a long-term quest for reconstruction funding. Notably, Hamas has firmly rejected any notion of transferring power or disarming, while Israel has threatened a resurgence of hostilities, citing a significant increase in Hamas’ fighter numbers recently. Egyptian mediators have faced considerable challenges in negotiating with Hamas since its takeover in 2007.
The ongoing summit in Cairo highlights the complexities of regional politics regarding the Gaza reconstruction efforts. Egypt’s counterproposal to Trump’s plan emphasizes Palestinian retention within Gaza during redevelopment. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist, particularly regarding the authority of Hamas and the proposed establishment of an international presence to facilitate reconstruction.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
