Arab leaders are convening in Cairo to consider Egypt’s alternative solution in response to a controversial plan by U.S. President Donald Trump that suggests transforming the Gaza Strip into a tourist destination by depopulating it. Egypt’s proposal instead advocates for Palestinians to be temporarily housed within Gaza in mobile homes and shelters while reconstruction efforts are underway. The plan also involves shifting control from Hamas to a temporary governance by political independents, paving the way for a reformed Palestinian Authority to eventually take over.
The region was taken aback by President Trump’s proposal last month, which suggested relocating Gaza’s roughly 2 million inhabitants to other countries. His vision for the territory included U.S. management and its development into a Middle Eastern “Riviera.” However, this proposal has met with significant opposition from neighboring countries.
In a related incident, an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of an individual reportedly associated with Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed the attack, contributing to the ongoing tensions following the 14-month-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which concluded at the end of November.
Meanwhile, 29 children from Gaza have been transported to Jordan for medical care, following an offer extended by Jordan’s King Abdullah II during a meeting with President Trump. This humanitarian effort, part of Jordan’s broader relief initiatives in Gaza, involved establishing field hospitals and delivering aid. King Abdullah’s proposal is to treat 2,000 children from Gaza, with each permitted to bring up to two family members. This initiative aligns with Jordan’s stance against Trump’s broader plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
As Arab leaders gather in Cairo, the focus shifts to endorsing Egypt’s counterproposal, amidst uncertainties surrounding the enduring ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The meeting, led by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, is anticipated to see participation from influential figures such as the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose backing is deemed essential for any lasting peace efforts.
Simultaneously, Israel has voiced potential support for an alternative U.S. proposal concerning the ceasefire and the release of hostages taken during the hostilities initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israel has restricted the entry of necessary supplies into Gaza as a measure to compel Hamas into accepting the new ceasefire terms, heightening fears of a reignited conflict.
