Algeria and Tunisia have decided to skip the upcoming Arab summit in Cairo, which aims to establish a reconstruction plan for Gaza. Their absence is a protest against a perceived exclusionary process led by influential Arab states. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding U.S. influence in regional responses to the conflict in Gaza.
The leaders of Algeria and Tunisia have chosen to forgo attendance at a significant Arab summit slated to occur in Cairo, which is intended to discuss and adopt a reconstruction strategy for Gaza post-conflict. Their absence is attributed to apprehensions regarding the suitability and originality of solutions being proposed, which they perceive as being dictated by a select group of influential players.
The summit, which convenes this afternoon, aims to unite regional support for Palestinians amid contentious proposals from Washington and Tel Aviv, which have been criticized as efforts to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza. Tensions surrounding the summit have arisen over the control of regional responses to these proposals.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, has opted to withdraw from attending the summit, opting instead to send his foreign minister. According to an unnamed Algerian official, this decision reflects a protest against the exclusionary nature of the summit, wherein Algeria feels sidelined despite its pivotal role in the recent UN ceasefire.
Following Algeria’s lead, Tunisian President Kais Saied also decided to send his foreign minister in a gesture of solidarity with Algeria’s stance. Under Saied, Tunisia’s foreign policy has often aligned closely with Algeria’s, showcasing a unified front in addressing their concerns regarding Palestinian rights.
The absence of these two North African leaders is particularly significant for the Arab League, which has been experiencing challenges in maintaining a unified stance on Palestinian issues. Although Saudi Arabia has distanced itself from U.S.-backed normalization efforts with Israel, it continues to engage deeply in Washington’s regional initiatives.
Egypt plays a crucial role as a mediator in ceasefire negotiations, and it is currently leading the charge for a post-war reconstruction plan for Gaza. Notably, Egypt’s proposal seeks to replace Hamas governance with an interim authority managed by a coalition of Arab, Muslim-majority, and Western nations, directing humanitarian assistance for an unspecified timeframe.
This summit occurs concurrently with Israel imposing a blockade on Gaza, which has drawn criticism from aid organizations for being punitive during Ramadan. By 3 p.m. Cairo time, the 22 nations in attendance will discuss the implications of the proposed plan for Gaza’s future.
In summary, Algeria and Tunisia’s withdrawal from the Arab summit signifies their protest against perceived exclusion from decision-making processes concerning Gaza’s reconstruction. The summit reflects significant regional dynamics, with Egypt’s centrality in post-war plans contrasting with the dissent from Arab nations about U.S. influence. The outcomes of this meeting could greatly affect Gaza’s future amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: news.az
