Under the crackling tension of world politics, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stands firm against an audacious proposal from US President Donald Trump. The plan? To assume control over the Gaza Strip, displacing Palestinians to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. Can such a scheme even truly exist in the realm of reality?
The stakes were high as Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with Trump on a recent Tuesday, a meeting veiled with tension and anticipation. The Middle East situation demands careful diplomacy, but what unfolds next for Gaza remains a subject of intense speculation.
Reflecting on this, King Abdullah addressed the media, announcing that Arab countries, with Egypt at the forefront, are crafting an alternative vision. “We will rebuild Gaza, preserving its identity and its people,” he emphasized. An emergency Arab summit on Gaza, scheduled for February 27, promises to delve deeper into these pressing issues.
But what is truly at stake for Egypt? Consider this: Egypt, since 1946, has been the recipient of over $85 billion in US aid, a testament to its strategic partnership with Washington. In 2023 alone, Egypt ranked as the fifth-largest recipient of US aid, with $1.45 billion flowing predominantly towards fortifying its military capabilities. Amid such financial ties, one might wonder—can Egypt afford to turn a cold shoulder to US demands?
Yet, Egyptian journalist Hossam El-Hamalawy observes, “Aid is simply a symbol—a badge of Egypt’s alliance with Washington.” But alliances are complex. They aren’t solely cemented by checks and bank transfers. “Generations of Egyptian youth have found their political voice through the Palestinian cause,” El-Hamalawy notes. How much turbulence might unfurl if such a deeply-rooted sentiment is challenged?
The echoes of history—the Lebanese conflict, Israeli occupations—resonate within el-Sisi’s cautious stance. He remains wary of repeating those scenarios, mirroring El-Hamalawy’s fears of replicating the Beirut siege and subsequent invasions. Could the forced displacement of Palestinians become a catalyst for regional unrest?
For now, Egypt appears committed to forging a multi-nation proposal, eschewing additional White House talks. “Any rash decision could unravel vital agreements,” warns political analyst Abdallah Nasef, hinting at potential compromises.
In a showing of humanitarian initiative, King Abdullah announced Jordan’s readiness to accept 2,000 ailing Palestinian children. Similarly, Egypt has long extended medical care to injured Palestinians, a practice anticipated to expand should the political winds allow.
“While direct financial contributions to Gaza might strain Egypt, especially given its own economic challenges,” Eriksson notes, “heritage and solidarity encourage Egypt to stand as mediator.” Will this commitment yield proportionate change for the Palestinians?
The daunting task of reconstructing Gaza will eventually need to rally international resources. But with Israel disclaiming responsibility for rebuilding, where will the funding come from? An explosive question, isn’t it?
“Speculation surrounds the reconstruction effort, with financial backing from Gulf nations crucial,” El-Hamalawy posits. Egyptian firms are gearing up to participate. Renowned tycoon Hisham Talaat Moustafa even described a collaborative plan requiring around 50 construction companies across borders.
“We won’t push Gazans from their territory,” Nasef asserts. Yet, for this promise to hold, Israel’s blockade on essential supplies must ease. Without fundamental resources like tents and caravans, rehabilitation stumbles even before it starts.
Gulf countries have made notable contributions, with the Gulf Cooperation Council already pledging $650 million in recent humanitarian aid to Gaza and the West Bank. But the end bill will be staggering, given the widespread destruction inflicted by Israel.
Arab nations find themselves navigating a precarious landscape, a landscape riddled with ploys, politics, and the constant shadow of potential collapses in fragile ceasefires. Under such mounting pressure, how might they respond to Trump’s polarizing proposal? History has its eyes wide open, observing this grand geopolitical chess match.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
