In a pivotal gathering in Riyadh, Arab leaders convened to delineate a comprehensive roadmap for Gaza’s reconstruction in the wake of recent conflicts. This strategic meeting aims to provide a well-coordinated counterproposal to former President Donald Trump’s contentious plan, which suggests an American takeover of Gaza, sidelining its Palestinian populace in the process.
Trump’s provocative plan has galvanized Arab nations, forging a united stance against it, though significant differences linger regarding the governance of Gaza and the sources of funding for its reconstruction. An image broadcast by Saudi state television captured Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman alongside leaders from other Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan—a potent symbol of solidarity amid uncertainty.
A representative from the Saudi government confirmed the conclusion of the meeting, yet the awaited final communiqué has yet to be released, leaving many questions unanswered. Intriguingly, it was announced that the Palestinian Authority, which stands in opposition to Hamas, was also anticipated to participate in these crucial discussions.
Global indignation erupted when Trump articulated his vision, suggesting the resettlement of Gaza’s more than two million residents to nearby nations such as Egypt and Jordan. Such statements have stirred deep-seated fears and frustrations within the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fully backed Trump’s initiative, amplifying the stakes for Arab leaders seeking a more respectful and equitable resolution. Andreas Krieg, a scholar from King’s College London, articulated the gravity of the moment, stating, “We’re at a very important historic juncture in the Arab-Israeli or Israeli-Palestinian conflict…where potentially the United States under Trump could create new facts on the ground that are irreversible.” This assertion underscores the urgency of the Arab leaders’ gathering.
The agenda for the summit included a discussion on a comprehensive reconstruction blueprint designed to counteract Trump’s proposal. With Gaza still battling the scars left by over 15 months of warfare between Israel and Hamas, the United Nations has estimated that the costs associated with reconstruction could exceed $53 billion. Would it not be an endless cycle of rebuilding amid desolation if a counterstrategy is not established?
During a discussion with Trump on February 11, Jordan’s King Abdullah II hinted at Egypt’s role in presenting a forward-looking plan for Gaza’s recovery. The information from a Saudi source indicated that the summit would indeed examine a refined version of this Egyptian initiative.
The Saudi Press Agency pointed out that agreements reached during this “unofficial fraternal meeting” would be brought to an emergency session of the Arab League, set to take place in Egypt on March 4. This alignment reflects a purposeful intention to project a unified Arab front in response to external pressures.
Many Arab leaders view an alternative reconstruction strategy as vital, especially after Trump underscored the monumental task of rebuilding, which could serve as a pretext for his relocation proposal. Although Cairo has yet to divulge specifics about its reconstruction agenda, former Egyptian diplomat Mohamed Hegazy elaborated on a three-phase approach aimed at recovery scheduled over three to five years. The process would initiate with a six-month phase focused on “early recovery”—removing debris and assessing damage.
The subsequent phase would envision an international conference aimed at crystallizing detailed reconstruction plans, alongside a systematic restoration of essential infrastructure. Finally, the concluding phase is designed to establish housing, essential services, and a “political track” to realize the two-state solution, wherein an independent Palestine exists alongside Israel.
As this dynamic unfolds, one Gulf diplomat voiced a crucial concern: “The biggest challenge facing the Egyptian plan is how to finance it.” It begs the question—how can ambitious plans for recovery come to fruition if financial resources remain uncertain? The diplomat added, “It would be inconceivable for Arab leaders to meet without reaching a common vision, but the main focus lies in the content of this vision and its implementation.” Such insights illustrate the multifaceted challenges inherent in this endeavor.
Krieg remarked on the unique opportunity before the Saudi leadership, suggesting they could unite other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in addition to Egypt and Jordan, to carve out a cohesive response to Trump’s assertive statements. “It’s a moment for collaboration,” he emphasized, reminding us that proactive measures are essential in the face of coercive narratives.
The road ahead is fraught with difficulties; however, the resilience of Arab nations gives hope for a balanced, respectful approach to Gaza’s future. The need for collective action has never been more apparent; will the leaders rise to the occasion?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international – Monitoring
