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Arab leaders unite against Trump’s Gaza plan

Thursday 20 February 2025 - 15:03

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Arab leaders are scheduled to convene this Friday in Saudi Arabia to formulate a response to the U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for American control over the Gaza Strip and the forced displacement of its population, according to diplomatic and government sources.

The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has extended invitations to leaders from Gulf Arab nations, Egypt, and Jordan for an informal meeting in Riyadh, as reported by the Saudi state news agency (SPA). The gathering is framed as a reflection of the strong fraternal ties among these nations.

While Trump’s proposal has unified Arab states in opposition, there remains discord over who should govern Gaza and how to finance its reconstruction. Umer Karim, an expert in Saudi foreign policy, described the summit as one of the most significant in decades concerning the broader Arab region and the Palestinian issue.

Trump's controversial plan, which provoked international condemnation, suggested U.S. control over Gaza and the relocation of its 2.4 million residents to Egypt and Jordan. SPA indicated that the matter will also be on the agenda of an upcoming emergency Arab summit in Egypt on March 4. During a February 11 meeting in Washington, Jordan’s King Abdullah II mentioned that Egypt was preparing an alternative proposal. A Saudi security source confirmed that discussions would include a version of this Egyptian plan.

A New Path for Gaza?

Rebuilding Gaza remains a primary concern, particularly after Trump cited reconstruction as a justification for displacement. Although Egypt has not yet officially presented its proposal, Mohamed Hegazy, a former Egyptian diplomat, outlined a phased reconstruction plan spanning three to five years.

The first phase, lasting six months, would focus on debris removal and identifying safe zones within Gaza for temporary relocation. The second phase would involve an international conference to detail the reconstruction efforts, including restoring essential infrastructure. The final phase would oversee urban planning, housing development, and the establishment of healthcare and educational services.

According to a recent United Nations estimate, Gaza’s reconstruction will require over $53 billion, with more than $20 billion needed in the first three years alone. Hegazy emphasized that the final phase should also include a political framework aimed at implementing a two-state solution, ensuring long-term stability in the region.