Egypt’s governance plan for Gaza proposes replacing Hamas with interim bodies supported by Arab and Western nations. The proposal emphasizes international aid and reconstruction while excluding Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from significant roles. It aims to secure funding from Gulf states but does not specify sources. Hamas has rejected the plan, asserting that Gaza’s future should be determined solely by Palestinians.
Egypt has proposed a new governance plan for Gaza aimed at replacing the militant group Hamas. This initiative is presented as an alternative to U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for transforming the region into a Middle East Riviera. The draft outlines a governance structure that emphasizes international involvement from Arab, Muslim, and Western nations, focusing on humanitarian support and infrastructure reconstruction.
The proposal stresses that substantial international funding for Gaza’s recovery will remain inaccessible while Hamas holds power. It suggests forming an International Stabilization Force, primarily comprising Arab countries, alongside donor conferences to secure financial support and ensure Palestinian participation in rebuilding efforts. Notably, the plan circumvents both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, favoring an oversight board with representatives from Arab states and international organizations.
The Egyptian initiative specifically rejects aspects of President Trump’s proposal, which included relocating Gaza’s inhabitants into a newly developed economic zone during the reconstruction phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to Trump’s Gaza plan, expressed his approval, labeling it as “visionary and innovative.”
When approached for comment on Egypt’s proposal, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to his Gaza vision while acknowledging the importance of consulting Arab allies. He remarked that Trump’s strategy has opened avenues for regional dialogue and mitigated potential crises.
Estimates from the United Nations suggest that Gaza’s reconstructive efforts will require over $53 billion. Although the Egyptian plan lacks detailed funding mechanisms, it anticipates that Gulf and Arab nations will need to contribute at least $20 billion initially, despite no specific financial commitments outlined in the plan.
In reaction, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated that the group is unaware of any Egyptian proposal and dismissed any unsolicited external interventions. He affirmed, “The future of Gaza must be determined solely by the Palestinians,” emphasizing Hamas’s opposition to foreign administration or military presence.
In summary, Egypt’s proposed governance for Gaza seeks to replace Hamas with a cooperative international framework for aid and reconstruction. It places emphasis on the exclusion of Hamas from governance and attempts to gather financial contributions from Arab states. This plan stands in stark contrast to President Trump’s vision for Gaza, which has received both praise and skepticism. Furthermore, Hamas has outright rejected the idea of external intervention in Gaza’s future.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com