Arab Leaders to Gather in Saudi Arabia to Counter US Plan for Gaza
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
Arab leaders will gather in Saudi Arabia on Friday to counter President Donald Trump’s plan for US control of Gaza and the expulsion of its inhabitants, diplomatic and government sources said. The plan stirred rare unity among Arab states, which roundly rejected the idea, but they could still disagree over who will govern the Palestinian territory and who will pay for reconstruction.
A Critical Issue: Reconstruction
Reconstruction will be a critical issue at the summit, as Trump highlighted this as the key reason for moving its inhabitants out while Gaza’s infrastructure is rebuilt. Egypt has not yet announced its counter-initiative, but Egyptian former diplomat Mohamed Hegazy described a plan in three technical phases over a period of three to five years.
Egypt’s Plan: A Palestinian Administration
The first phase would be a six-month "early recovery phase," during which heavy machinery would be brought in to remove debris, while designated safe zones would be identified within Gaza to temporarily relocate residents. The second phase would require an international conference to provide details of reconstruction and would focus on rebuilding utility infrastructure. The final phase would oversee the urban planning of Gaza, the construction of housing units, and the provision of educational and healthcare services.
Finance: A Major Challenge
One Arab diplomat familiar with the Gulf told AFP: "In the end, the biggest challenge facing the Egyptian plan is how to finance it. Some countries like Kuwait will inject funds, perhaps for humanitarian reasons, but other Gulf states will set specific conditions before any financial transfer." Karim said the "Saudis and Emiratis won’t spend any money if (the) Qataris and Egyptians don’t guarantee something on Hamas."
Differences Remain
Differences remain, however, among Arab leaders. Hegazy said that Hamas "will retreat from the political scene in the coming period," while the Saudi source said Riyadh envisions a Gaza Strip controlled by the Palestinian Authority. Qatar, a key mediator in the war, believes the Palestinians themselves must decide Gaza’s future.
Conclusion
The Arab leaders’ summit is a critical opportunity to address the complex issue of Gaza’s future. It is essential that the leaders come together to find a solution that benefits the Palestinian people and the region as a whole.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the Arab leaders’ summit?
The summit is to counter President Donald Trump’s plan for US control of Gaza and the expulsion of its inhabitants. - What is Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction?
Egypt has proposed a three-phase plan, including an early recovery phase, a reconstruction phase, and a final phase focusing on urban planning and provision of services. - How will the reconstruction plan be financed?
The plan is still being finalized, but some countries like Kuwait may inject funds, while others may set specific conditions for financial transfer. - What are the differences among Arab leaders regarding Gaza’s future?
Differences remain, with some leaders believing that Hamas will retreat from the political scene, while others envision a Gaza Strip controlled by the Palestinian Authority.