5 March, 2025; The Arab world, which previously reacted with shock and rejection to former US President Donald Trump’s “Gaza Riviera” plan, has now shifted its focus to Egypt’s proposed post-war plan for Gaza. Egypt’s initiative, aimed at stabilizing the region and facilitating reconstruction, has gained backing from several Arab nations. However, key challenges remain, especially regarding Hamas’ role in Gaza’s future governance.
Trump’s Gaza Riviera Plan: A Brief Recap
Trump’s controversial proposal, often referred to as the “Gaza Riviera” plan, envisioned a significant transformation of Gaza. The plan reportedly sought to turn parts of Gaza into a tourism and economic hub, potentially under international or regional control. However, this idea was widely criticized across the Arab world, with many nations viewing it as an attempt to sideline Palestinian sovereignty and impose a solution without the involvement of Palestinian leadership.
Egypt’s Post-War Plan Gains Support
Egypt has proposed a more practical post-war plan for Gaza, which prioritizes:
- Removing Hamas from power: The plan seeks to restructure governance in Gaza, ensuring that Hamas no longer plays a leadership role.
- Reconstruction efforts: Egypt has emphasized the urgent need to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure, which has been severely damaged by years of conflict.
- Security stabilization: Cairo is advocating for an approach that ensures long-term security while allowing for Palestinian self-governance under a more moderate and internationally accepted leadership.
- Regional cooperation: Egypt aims to work with key regional players, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to implement the plan effectively.
Challenges Ahead: Will Hamas Accept the Plan?
Despite gaining regional support, Egypt’s proposal faces serious obstacles. The most significant challenge is whether Hamas would agree to step down from its leadership position in Gaza. Hamas has historically resisted any attempts to weaken its control, and there is little indication that it would voluntarily relinquish power.
Additionally, there are concerns over how such a transition would be implemented. Would an alternative Palestinian authority take over governance? Would there be an international peacekeeping force to oversee the process? These questions remain unanswered.
Arab Nations Align Against Trump’s Proposal
The strong rejection of Trump’s Gaza plan by Arab nations underscores a broader regional consensus: any post-war solution for Gaza must prioritize Palestinian interests and avoid externally imposed models that do not have local support. Egypt’s plan, despite its uncertainties, appears to be more acceptable to Arab leaders because it is rooted in regional diplomacy rather than foreign intervention.
Conclusion
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, Egypt’s post-war plan stands as a potential roadmap for rebuilding and stabilizing the region. However, its success depends on resolving key political and security challenges, particularly Hamas’ role in the future of Gaza. While Arab nations have rejected Trump’s proposal, the path forward remains uncertain, and much will depend on how diplomatic efforts unfold in the coming months.
