Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is expected in Riyadh on Thursday, where he will discuss an Arab plan for Gaza, which could include up to 20 billion euros from regional funds for reconstruction, two security sources from Egypt confirmed.
Arab countries are preparing a proposal for the post-war reconstruction of Gaza in response to the plan of the United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump, which allegedly envisions the development of the area under U.S. control along with the displacement of a large number of Palestinians. The possibility of forced displacement has sparked strong reactions among regional leaders.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar are set to discuss the Arab plan in Riyadh before presenting it at the Arab summit scheduled for March 4th in Cairo, according to four sources familiar with the negotiations.
A broader meeting of Arab leaders, including representatives from Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, and Qatar, is expected on Friday in Saudi Arabia. However, some sources state that the date has not yet been fully confirmed.
Arab states have expressed strong opposition to Trump’s plan, which reportedly envisions the “cleansing” of Palestinians from Gaza and their relocation to Jordan and Egypt to create a “Middle Eastern Riviera.” Cairo and Amman immediately rejected this idea, considering it a serious threat to regional stability.
The alternative Arab proposal, largely based on the Egyptian plan, envisions the formation of a national Palestinian committee to govern Gaza without Hamas’s participation. It also advocates for international involvement in reconstruction but without the displacement of Palestinians.
The financial contribution of Arab and Gulf states, amounting to 20 billion euros, could be a key element in persuading Trump to accept this proposal, sources say.
“Trump is a businessman, so 20 billion euros could be an offer he likes,” said Emirati academic Abdulkhaleq Abdullah. “It would benefit many U.S. and Israeli companies.”
Egyptian sources say the final amount of financial contribution is still under negotiation.
The plan envisions a three-year period for Gaza’s reconstruction.
“My discussions with Arab leaders, including a recent meeting with King Abdullah, convinced me that they have a realistic approach to their role in this process,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal during a visit to Israel on Monday.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Tel Aviv is waiting to assess the Arab plan but warned that any proposal allowing Hamas to remain in Gaza will not be acceptable.
“When we hear it, we will know how to respond,” said Saar.
