Senior officials from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are gathering in Riyadh on Thursday to formulate a counterproposal to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan, which seeks to forcibly relocate two million Gazans to Egypt and Jordan.
This meeting is a significant step in Arab diplomatic efforts to safeguard Palestinian sovereignty. It precedes the upcoming Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4, where a unified strategy will be presented, emphasizing a Palestinian-led resolution that firmly rejects any forced displacement.
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Trump’s proposal has sparked international condemnation, with the Arab world demonstrating rare consensus in opposing it. For Palestinians, the plan revives painful memories of the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands were displaced during Israel’s creation. Arab leaders have reaffirmed their stance against such measures, advocating for a future in which Gaza remains under Palestinian control.
In response, Egypt has outlined a three-phase reconstruction plan for Gaza. The first phase focuses on clearing debris and temporarily relocating residents to safe zones. The second phase aims to restore essential utilities, while the final phase involves urban development, housing, and social services. However, funding remains a major hurdle, with Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE seeking clarity on Hamas’ role in Gaza’s governance before committing financial support.
Egypt’s proposal also suggests a new governance framework for Gaza, led by a neutral Palestinian administration. The envisioned security system would integrate forces from the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, and other Arab nations. Despite broad consensus on rejecting forced displacement, disagreements persist, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia favoring Palestinian Authority control, while Qatar insists that Gaza’s residents must decide their own future.
As discussions unfold in Riyadh, Arab leaders aim to finalize a unified approach that prioritizes Palestinian leadership in Gaza’s reconstruction and political future, ensuring that any proposed solution aligns with Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
