Riyadh: A high-level summit will take place in Riyadh, where leaders from four Arab nations will come together to discuss Donald Trump’s proposal regarding Gaza. The US president had suggested a plan for the United States to take control of Gaza and relocate its population of over 2.4 million Palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt or Jordan.
Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, had rejected the proposal. However, disagreements persist over how Gaza should be governed and the financing of its reconstruction. Discussions will also focus on sidelining Hamas, the group that has controlled Gaza since 2007, in favor of a broader Palestinian authority.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza
According to NDTV reports, Egypt will present a counter-proposal, which seeks to rebuild Gaza while allowing Palestinians to remain in their homeland. This plan involves a phased approach over three to five years:
Initial recovery: In the first six months, heavy machinery will be brought in to clear debris and safe zones will be designated for temporarily relocating residents.
Infrastructure rebuilding: An international conference will be organized to secure funds and rebuild utilities like water, electricity and transportation.
Urban planning: The final phase will focus on constructing housing units, schools, hospitals and other services. It will also address long-term political solutions, including the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
The United Nations estimated that rebuilding Gaza will cost over $53 billion. However, finding financial support remains a challenge. While countries like Kuwait may offer humanitarian aid, other Gulf nations are expected to attach conditions to their contributions.
Key topics likely to be discussed at summit
According to AFP reports, rebuilding Gaza is one of the primary issues on the table. Arab leaders aim to counter Trump’s plan, which used reconstruction as justification for relocating Gaza’s population.
Saudi Arabia envisions a future where Gaza is governed by the Palestinian Authority, free from the influence of Hamas. However, Qatar, which has been a mediator in the conflict, insists that the decision about Gaza’s future must be made by Palestinians themselves.
Another challenge is to ensure stability and security in the region. Egypt’s plan includes creating a police force affiliated with the Palestinian Authority and supplemented by international security forces.
What expert say about summit
Expert believe that this summit will be one of the most important Arab meetings in decades. Umer Karim, a Saudi foreign policy expert, said the success of these discussions depends on a level of Arab unity not seen in years.
The outcomes of the Riyadh meeting will be presented at an emergency Arab League summit scheduled to take place in Egypt on March 4.
