According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia is spearheading urgent Arab efforts to formulate a plan for the future of Gaza. Reports indicate that an Egyptian proposal is emerging as the most viable option ahead of an upcoming Arab summit later this month.
A Counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza Displacement Plan
The agency revealed that the anticipated plan aims to counter former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to forcibly displace Gaza’s residents and transform the area into a real estate hub marketed as the “Middle East Riviera.”
Reuters further reported that Riyadh will host a key meeting later this month, bringing together officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE to discuss preliminary ideas for the plan.
Citing interviews with 15 sources across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and other nations, the agency noted that Arab states are working to formulate a proposal that could be marketed to Washington—possibly under the name “Trump Plan” to secure U.S. approval.
The Egyptian Initiative Gains Traction
A high-ranking Arab government source disclosed that at least four proposals regarding Gaza’s future have already been drafted, but Egypt’s plan currently serves as the foundation for the Arab alternative to Trump’s vision.
According to three Egyptian security sources, the latest Cairo proposal includes:
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- A Palestinian governing body to administer Gaza without Hamas’ involvement.
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- An internationally backed reconstruction effort without displacing Palestinian residents.
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- A path toward a two-state solution.
Security Measures and Reconstruction Efforts
The Egyptian sources also revealed that the proposal includes the establishment of a buffer zone and barriers to prevent tunnel construction along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
Once the rubble is cleared, 20 temporary housing zones will be built, with approximately 50 Egyptian and international firms participating in the reconstruction efforts.
Regarding funding, sources stated that Gulf and international financial contributions would play a crucial role. Officials have not ruled out the creation of a “Trump Reconstruction Fund” to secure U.S. support.
However, key challenges remain—particularly regarding governance and security. The sources emphasized that forcing Hamas to relinquish any role in governing Gaza would be a prerequisite.
The Challenge of Hamas’ Involvement
The report highlighted that Hamas has previously expressed willingness to step aside for a national committee but insists on having a say in the selection of its members. The group has also rejected the deployment of ground forces in Gaza without its approval.
Despite Hamas’ stance, the Egyptian sources believe the proposed plan could shift Trump’s position and could potentially be enforced on both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas.
Saudi-Led Discussions and the Upcoming Arab Summit
A senior Arab official confirmed that representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and the Palestinian leadership will convene in Riyadh to review and refine the proposal before presenting it at the emergency Arab summit in Cairo on February 27.
Meanwhile, a Jordanian official stressed that a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be pivotal, as he is leading the current efforts to finalize the plan.
As of now, the White House has not commented on the Reuters report, though U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked on Thursday that “Trump’s plan is the only plan on the table. If they have a better one, now is the time to present it.”
