US President Donald Trump recently shared a video on social media, showcasing his vision for the Gaza Strip, which features relocating around 2 million Palestinians to other countries and turning it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The video sparked outrage and international anger, with the UN considering any such step as ethnic cleansing.
The Arab League is now planning to counter Trump’s proposal with a joint plan for Gaza reconstruction. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will host an emergency summit in Cairo on March 4, where Arab leaders will discuss alternative strategies for rebuilding the devastated coastal enclave.
The proposed plan prioritizes a future political strategy based on the two-state solution and excludes any suggestions of displacement of the local Palestinian population. However, implementing this plan poses significant challenges, as Israel has repeatedly stated its opposition to creating an independent Palestinian state, while the US and Egyptians face skepticism from Hamas officials.
Despite these obstacles, experts believe that the Arab League’s initiative could be a powerful opportunity to achieve a two-state solution. Sigrid Kaag, the newly appointed UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, has called for both sides to avoid war at all costs, as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is ending.
The Arab League’s plan aims to prioritize reconstruction efforts first, followed by the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. By taking this approach, Cairo may be able to capitalize on the momentum from the recent ceasefire agreement and push for a more realistic solution to the Gaza crisis.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/arab-league-to-try-to-counter-trumps-gaza-riviera-plan/a-71785242