Following President Trump's controversial suggestion to expel the entire population of Gaza, his aides have reinterpreted the proposal as a challenge to Middle Eastern leaders to present a better plan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that if Arab nations have a viable alternative, it would be welcomed.
In response, several Arab governments, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, are collaborating to develop a reconstruction plan for Gaza that would keep its residents in place while supporting the potential for a Palestinian state. Diplomatic discussions are set to take place in Saudi Arabia and Cairo, where Egypt is expected to propose a committee of Palestinian technocrats to manage Gaza's governance post-conflict.
Senator Chris Van Hollen noted that the aim is to demonstrate to Trump that a feasible plan exists for rebuilding Gaza, which would also provide a future for the Palestinian population without necessitating their relocation.
While these ideas may appear new, they have been discussed previously, particularly by Egypt, which has advocated for a technocratic governance model. Arab leaders have long supported the establishment of a Palestinian state that includes Gaza, and even Israel has indicated a willingness to allow Arab oversight in postwar Gaza.
However, significant challenges remain. Israeli leaders oppose any plans that might lead to Palestinian sovereignty, while Arab leaders insist on a framework that at least suggests a path to statehood. Additionally, the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, has expressed concerns about governance structures that do not grant it full control, complicating the situation further.
Hamas has indicated a willingness to relinquish control over civil affairs but refuses to disband its military wing, which poses a challenge for both Israel and the U.S. The complexity of the situation is underscored by the need for a realistic plan that can be accepted by both Palestinian factions and the U.S. and Israel.
There are also uncertainties regarding security arrangements in Gaza. While some suggest that Egypt and Gulf nations could provide troops, it remains unclear if they would be willing to deploy a larger force, especially given Hamas's potential opposition to such intervention.
Central to the Egyptian plan is the commitment to rebuild Gaza while keeping its residents within the territory, contrary to Trump's suggestion of displacement. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has discussed the urgency of reconstruction without displacing Palestinians during meetings with regional leaders.
Details of the reconstruction plan are still being finalized, with proposals for a phased approach that includes humanitarian aid and infrastructure development. However, the question of funding for these efforts remains unresolved, and Egypt is expected to seek contributions from other Arab nations at an upcoming conference.
Confusion has also surrounded the scheduling of these summits, with an initial emergency meeting delayed by a week.