The OIC has endorsed an Arab League proposal rejecting Trump’s Gaza takeover plan during a meeting in Saudi Arabia. Egypt’s alternative aims for Palestinian governance in Gaza’s reconstruction. The proposal has mixed reactions in the U.S. and was rejected by Israel, while Arab nations remain united in their opposition to alternative plans. Syria’s membership in the OIC was also reinstated, marking a significant diplomatic shift.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has formally endorsed an Arab League proposal during an emergency meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This decision explicitly rejects U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to gain control of Gaza and relocate its residents. The OIC’s resolution came three days after the Arab League approved Egypt’s alternative plan, which aims to rebuild the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority’s future governance.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed that the OIC’s decision has transformed the Egyptian initiative into a collaborative Arab-Islamic effort. This endorsement was echoed by his counterparts during discussions with various news outlets, particularly emphasizing the unity among Arab nations against Trump’s proposal. The plan intends to promote reconstruction and provide a viable governance framework for Gaza.
Trump’s plan faced significant backlash for suggesting the U.S. should control Gaza, develop it into a high-end region, and displace its Palestinian residents to Egypt or Jordan. Cameroonian Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella stated that the meeting was prompted by “new developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” particularly regarding the displacement of Palestinians.
To address the humanitarian needs of Gaza, Arab leaders at the Cairo summit announced the establishment of a trust fund for reconstruction. Abdelatty also indicated that discussions were ongoing to involve international stakeholders, like the European Union and nations such as Japan, Russia, and China, to further solidify support.
The OIC’s counter-proposal has elicited varied responses in the U.S., with the Israeli government rejecting it outright. U.S. State Department representative Tammy Bruce indicated that the proposal “does not meet the expectations” of Washington, although Trump’s Middle East envoy saw it as a “good-faith first step.” This illustrates the complexities of the ongoing negotiations surrounding Gaza’s future.
In light of the continued tensions, Trump stated, “I think that’s a plan that works, but I’m not forcing it.” This reflects the hesitance of Arab nations, who have collectively opposed his initiative, leading to their united response through the OIC meeting. Additionally, the OIC reinstated Syria’s membership, reversing its prior suspension amidst internal strife, a move hailed by Syria as a step toward reintegration into international relations.
The unanimous approval by the OIC of Egypt’s alternative plan highlights Arab unity against Trump’s Gaza proposal and signals a proactive stance for the reconstruction of Gaza under Palestinian governance. The situation remains complex, involving various international stakeholders and perspectives. As regional dynamics unfold, the commitment to a multilateral approach remains essential for achieving a sustainable resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Original Source: egyptianstreets.com
