Arab Leaders Unite in Riyadh to Counter U.S. Gaza Takeover Plan
In a significant geopolitical move, leaders from seven Arab nations convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday to discuss a unified response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent controversial proposal regarding the Gaza Strip. Trump’s plan suggests U.S. control over Gaza, the displacement of its Palestinian residents, and the transformation of the region into a Middle Eastern “Riviera.”
This proposal has sparked outrage across the Arab world, with critics arguing that it undermines Palestinian rights, disregards international law, and threatens regional stability.
The Controversial U.S. Proposal
Earlier this month, President Trump revealed his vision for Gaza during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Under this proposal:
- The United States would take control of the Gaza Strip.
- Over two million Palestinian residents would be forcibly relocated.
- The region would be transformed into a luxury tourist destination, similar to the French Riviera.
Trump justified his plan by stating, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip… We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.” He further claimed that developing Gaza into a tourism hub would bring “great stability to that part of the Middle East.”
His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from global leaders, human rights organizations, and Middle Eastern governments. Many view this as an outright violation of Palestinian sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Arab Nations’ Strong Opposition
In response to Trump’s announcement, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) called for an urgent meeting with leaders from Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Their primary objective is to develop a counterproposal that respects Palestinian sovereignty and ensures regional stability.
Key issues discussed in the meeting include:
- Preserving Palestinian sovereignty: Rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians.
- Financial and diplomatic support for Gaza: Ensuring resources for reconstruction efforts.
- A unified response for the upcoming Arab League Summit: The leaders aim to present their alternative plan at the summit in Cairo on March 4.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has been particularly vocal, stating that any attempt to forcibly remove Palestinians from their land would be “a direct violation of international law and a threat to regional security.”
Egypt’s Alternative Gaza Plan
Egypt has put forward a three-phase plan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Gaza:
- Immediate Recovery: Clearing debris and restoring essential services such as water, electricity, and healthcare.
- Infrastructure Rebuilding: Launching an international conference to secure funding for housing, roads, and public utilities.
- Long-term Development: Establishing a political framework aimed at achieving a two-state solution while ensuring economic and social stability for Gaza’s residents.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated, “With the right resources, Egypt can rebuild Gaza in three years to a state that is better than it was before.”
Challenges Facing the Arab Response
Despite their unified opposition to Trump’s plan, Arab leaders face several significant obstacles:
- Funding: The World Bank, European Union, and United Nations estimate that Gaza’s reconstruction will require over $50 billion, with housing alone costing $15 billion. Securing this level of funding will require substantial international cooperation.
- Governance: A major question remains—who will govern Gaza post-reconstruction? The Palestinian Authority has expressed its willingness to take control, but Israel has consistently opposed this move.
- Security Concerns: Ensuring a long-term ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is essential. Without sustained peace, reconstruction efforts could be futile.
International Reactions
The global response to Trump’s proposal has been mixed, with several key international players weighing in:
- Ireland’s Sinn Féin Party: Leaders announced they would boycott the traditional St. Patrick’s Day event at the White House, calling Trump’s plan a “shameful attempt to erase Palestinian identity.”
- European Union: French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a strategic and coordinated European response, warning that the U.S. proposal could lead to increased tensions in the region.
- United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the proposal “deeply troubling” and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to a two-state solution.
What’s Next?
The Riyadh meeting signals a firm rejection of Trump’s plan by Arab nations, but the real test will come on March 4, when the Arab League Summit convenes in Cairo. The summit will be a crucial moment for Arab leaders to present their alternative vision for Gaza and seek international support.
Meanwhile, global attention remains on Washington and Tel Aviv, as the U.S. and Israel continue to push forward with their controversial vision for the future of Gaza. With tensions rising and international pressure mounting, the coming weeks will be decisive for the region’s future.
Conclusion
The Arab world is standing firm against the Trump administration’s Gaza proposal, seeing it as an unacceptable violation of Palestinian rights. With the upcoming Arab League Summit and growing international backlash, the situation remains highly fluid. Whether diplomatic efforts will succeed in countering the U.S. plan remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Gaza’s future is once again at the center of global geopolitics.
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