DOHA:
Egypt has developed a plan for Gaza aimed at countering former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for the region, which sought to transform it into a Middle East tourism hub. According to a draft obtained by Reuters, Egypt’s proposal would reduce Hamas’ influence and establish interim governing bodies overseen by Arab, Muslim, and Western states.
The Egyptian initiative, set to be presented at an Arab League summit on Tuesday, does not clarify whether it would be implemented before or after a permanent peace agreement following the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Trump’s proposal, which suggested the removal of Gaza’s Palestinian population, deviated from the long-standing U.S. stance advocating a two-state solution. His plan drew strong condemnation from Palestinians and Arab nations alike.
The central issue of who will govern Gaza after the conflict remains unresolved. Hamas has rejected any externally imposed solutions, while Egypt’s proposal does not address crucial aspects such as the financial burden of Gaza’s reconstruction, the specific mechanisms of governance, or how Hamas, a powerful armed entity, would be sidelined.
Under the Egyptian plan, a Governance Assistance Mission would replace Hamas’ administration for an unspecified interim period. This mission would be responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid and initiating the reconstruction of the war-torn enclave.
“There will be no significant international funding for Gaza’s rehabilitation and reconstruction if Hamas continues to dominate and maintain armed control over local governance,” states the draft’s preamble outlining the proposal’s objectives.
Egypt’s blueprint for Gaza’s future has not been previously disclosed. For nearly a month, Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab states have been working to present a diplomatic alternative to Trump’s plan. While multiple proposals have emerged, Egypt’s appears to be the leading contender. However, it remains uncertain whether Arab leaders will endorse it. The plan does not specify who would oversee the Governance Assistance Mission but suggests utilizing Palestinian expertise from Gaza and the diaspora to aid in recovery efforts.
The proposal firmly opposes the U.S. idea of mass displacement of Palestinians, a stance strongly held by Egypt and Jordan, which view such measures as a security threat. The draft was shared with Reuters by an official involved in negotiations, who requested anonymity due to its unpublished status.
Stabilization Force
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated that the group is unaware of any such Egyptian proposal. “The future of Gaza must be determined by Palestinians alone,” he told Reuters. “Hamas rejects any externally imposed governance or the presence of foreign forces in Gaza.”
The draft does not mention plans for future elections. Egypt’s foreign ministry declined to comment, and Israel’s prime minister’s office—whose approval is considered crucial to ensuring that any future reconstruction efforts are not undone—has also not issued a response.
