Overview
On Friday, Arab leaders will convene in Saudi Arabia to deliberate on counter-strategies to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gazans while American control over Gaza is established. The move has garnered widespread concern among Arab nations.
Why It Matters
This meeting is pivotal as it represents a rare moment of unity among Arab states against a common policy from the United States, particularly one impacting key Arab geopolitical interests in Palestine. It could reshape regional dynamics and influence future Palestinian governance.
What’s at Stake
President Trump’s announcement to restructure the Gaza Strip’s administration and relocate its 2.4 million residents to Egypt and Jordan has stirred significant Arab opposition. The proposed Sahdi meeting aims to establish alternative governance plans, spearheaded by a coalition of Arab states.
Details of the Discussion
The summit in Riyadh, originally comprising Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, will also include Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Palestinian Authority for discussions on a potential reconstruction strategy.
Prospective Solutions
Former Egyptian diplomat Mohamed Hegazy indicated a plan for Gaza’s redevelopment. This proposal involves three phases including initial debris removal within Gaza, international collaboration on utility construction, and fostering urban development that ensures delivery of vital services. The strategy contemplates rebuilding efforts that adhere to the broader framework of achieving a two-state solution while incentivizing sustainable ceasefire opportunities.
The Financial Challenge
Financing these reconstruction efforts remains a complex issue. While nations like Kuwait might support financing efforts for humanitarian reasons, other Gulf States may impose fiscal conditions. Saudi Arabia and the UAE emphasize guarantee mechanisms involving Hamas’ role.
The Future of Gaza’s Governance
Egypt’s plan indicates establishing a depoliticized Palestinian administration with collaboration from Arab states and potentially other countries. Notably, it seeks the endorsement of entities like the Palestinian Authority over factions like Hamas. Consensus about long-term roles of Palestinians in governing Gaza remains critical, whereby effective detachment from Hamas’ influence is suggested in these reconciliatory negotiations.
Where Israel Stands
Despite potential international backing, Israel might not accept any transition plan including Hamas or the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza, maintaining its historically firm stance in this territorial arrangement.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.