Arab leaders convened in Cairo on Tuesday amid rising tensions over a controversial plan put forth by US President Donald Trump, which has drawn significant international condemnation. The plan, which suggests US control over Gaza and the relocation of its Palestinian residents, has met with fierce opposition from Palestinians, Arab nations, and various US and Israeli allies.
Hours before the summit commenced, Israel reiterated its demand for the “full demilitarization” of Gaza, a position that was swiftly rejected by Hamas, which termed disarmament a “red line.” The backdrop to this meeting is Trump’s recent endorsement of an approach to Gaza reconstruction, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as “visionary and innovative.” However, this plan has been met with resistance from the international community, particularly concerning the prospect of displacing Gazans.
The United Nations has reported that the cost of rebuilding Gaza will exceed $53 billion following a devastating conflict initiated by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In advance of the summit, Arab foreign ministers gathered in a closed-door session to formulate a strategy aimed at rebuilding Gaza while ensuring that its residents remain in their homes, according to an Arab League source.
The summit is set to host several Arab heads of state and high-level officials. Among those confirmed to attend is Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Bahrain’s King Hamad are anticipated to deliver opening remarks, highlighting the importance of the meeting in seeking a unified Arab response to the ongoing crisis.
Trump’s proposal, which initially suggested transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” faced global backlash, particularly due to its implications for Palestinians. Although Trump has signaled a softer approach, experts argue that the plan raises serious concerns regarding potential violations of international law.
During the summit discussions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated the need for Gaza’s total demilitarization and the removal of Hamas for Israel to consider progressing to the next phase of a ceasefire agreement. Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri responded defiantly, asserting that any discussions regarding the resistance’s weaponry were unacceptable.
Amid these negotiations, the ceasefire situation remains precarious, as the parties find themselves at odds over the next steps following a truce initiated on January 19. The initial phase of the ceasefire concluded over the weekend after six weeks of relative tranquility that included the exchange of hostages and the influx of humanitarian aid. Israel has expressed support for extending this first phase, while Hamas advocates for a transition to a more permanent solution.
Netanyahu warned Hamas that failure to release remaining hostages would result in “consequences that you cannot imagine,” reflecting the high stakes involved in this fragile ceasefire. Conversely, Hamas has accused Israel of undermining the ceasefire efforts, asserting that Israel’s push for an extension was a diversion from negotiations aimed at securing a long-term resolution.
As the ceasefire progresses into a critical phase, Israel announced a halt on all goods and supplies entering Gaza, with threats of further repercussions if Hamas does not agree to the truce’s extension. This decision has been met with criticism from mediators like Egypt and Qatar, along with the UN and various other regional powers, who are concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with extensive damage to infrastructure, widespread displacement, and a mounting hunger crisis. The scale of tragedy is underscored by the staggering death toll, with over 1,200 people killed during the initial Hamas attack and nearly 48,400 lives lost in subsequent Israeli retaliatory strikes, the vast majority being civilians. As discussions continue in Cairo, the focus remains on finding a sustainable path forward for Gaza and its beleaguered population.
