Arab Leaders Convene in Saudi Arabia to Counter Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ Proposal
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a significant diplomatic gathering, leaders from seven Arab nations convened in Riyadh on Friday to formulate a unified response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s contentious proposal to transform the Gaza Strip into a Middle Eastern “Riviera” by relocating its Palestinian inhabitants. The meeting, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, included heads of state from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The high-stakes summit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with the war in Gaza continuing to escalate, raising concerns over long-term stability. Arab leaders are under increasing pressure to counter Trump’s proposal, which they view as an attempt to erase the Palestinian presence from Gaza while shifting the burden of resettlement onto neighboring countries.
Background of the U.S. Proposal
President Trump’s plan, unveiled earlier this month, suggests a complete U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip, involving the permanent displacement of its 2.1 million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries, notably Egypt and Jordan. The proposal envisions redeveloping the evacuated territory into a prosperous economic zone, dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East,” designed to attract tourism and foreign investments.
While the U.S. administration has framed the plan as a long-term solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Arab nations have widely condemned it, arguing that it undermines Palestinian sovereignty and violates international law. Many critics see the proposal as a thinly veiled attempt to normalize Israeli control over the land while forcing Palestinian refugees into permanent exile.
Arab Nations’ Unified Stance
The Riyadh summit aimed to present a cohesive Arab alternative to President Trump’s plan, emphasizing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a firm statement reiterating the kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Palestinian sovereignty, declaring that the creation of a Palestinian state is “non-negotiable and not subject to compromises.”
This sentiment was echoed by other participating nations, highlighting a collective rejection of any proposals involving the forced displacement of Palestinians. Leaders at the summit also reaffirmed their support for the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories in exchange for normalized relations with Arab states.
The rejection of Trump’s plan signals a growing divide between the U.S. and some of its key Middle Eastern allies. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE have maintained strong ties with Washington, they have made it clear that any solution to the Gaza crisis must respect Palestinian self-determination.
Egypt’s Reconstruction Initiative
Central to the discussions was an Egyptian-led reconstruction proposal for Gaza. This comprehensive plan outlines a three-phase approach:
- Immediate humanitarian relief – A six-month period focused on debris removal, emergency aid, and medical support.
- Infrastructure restoration – The organization of an international donor conference to devise detailed reconstruction strategies, including rebuilding homes, hospitals, and schools.
- Long-term governance and statehood – The provision of housing and services while pursuing a political pathway toward a two-state solution.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized that this initiative aims to rebuild Gaza without necessitating the relocation of its residents, thereby preserving their right to remain in their homeland. Cairo has also called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have left much of the territory in ruins.
Financial Considerations and International Support
Reconstructing Gaza presents substantial financial challenges. Recent assessments by the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union estimate that comprehensive rebuilding efforts will require over $53 billion, with $20 billion needed in the initial three years. The Arab leaders discussed potential funding mechanisms, including contributions from Gulf nations and the organization of an international donor conference slated for April.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have expressed readiness to support a peace plan that envisions a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel, explicitly opposing any initiatives that involve the displacement of Gaza’s population. The summit also explored ways to secure financial commitments from European and Asian allies, with China and Turkey signaling potential interest in supporting reconstruction efforts.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the unified front, several obstacles persist. The question of governance in post-war Gaza remains contentious, particularly regarding the role of Hamas. The Arab leaders’ proposal suggests the formation of a national Palestinian committee to oversee Gaza’s administration, explicitly excluding Hamas from governance roles. This approach aims to facilitate international participation in reconstruction efforts while advancing toward a two-state solution.
However, achieving consensus on this governance structure and securing cooperation from all relevant parties will be critical to the plan’s success. The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the occupied West Bank, has welcomed the Arab leaders’ support but remains skeptical of any U.S.-backed initiatives. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has urged the international community to pressure Israel into accepting a viable path to Palestinian statehood.
International Reactions
The international community is closely monitoring these developments. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the Arab nations’ efforts, stating, “Right now, the only plan—they don’t like it—but the only plan is the Trump plan. So if they’ve got a better plan, now’s the time to present it.” This underscores the urgency for Arab states to finalize and present a viable alternative that addresses both regional concerns and international expectations.
The European Union has cautiously welcomed the Arab initiative but has called for greater clarity on how a future Palestinian state would be governed. Meanwhile, Israel has dismissed the summit’s outcomes, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterating that Israel will not accept any peace plan that compromises its security interests.
Looking Forward
The outcomes of the Riyadh summit will serve as a foundation for further discussions at the upcoming Arab League meeting scheduled for March 4 in Cairo. The participating nations aim to solidify their collective stance and present a detailed, actionable plan that not only counters the U.S. proposal but also aligns with the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination and statehood.
The success of this initiative hinges on sustained diplomatic engagement, regional cooperation, and the mobilization of substantial financial resources to rebuild and stabilize Gaza. As Arab leaders push forward with their vision, the coming months will determine whether their alternative plan gains enough global traction to challenge Trump’s controversial Gaza “Riviera” proposal
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