Arab countries give green signal to Egypt's plan for Gaza, but Saudi Arabia and UAE express doubts

Cairo/Riyadh: Arab League member countries have approved Egypt's proposed plan for ceasefire and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. However, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have raised questions about this plan, indicating a political rift within the Arab world.


Key points of Egypt's plan:

1. Immediate ceasefire: Proposal for 7 day peace talks to stop fighting between Hamas and Israel.

2. Prisoner exchange: Release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages.

3. Humanitarian aid: Formation of international funding for food, medicine, and infrastructure in Gaza.

4. Future roadmap: Administrative reorganization of Gaza under the leadership of the Palestinian Authority.

Reasons for Saudi-UAE skepticism:

Hamas' role: Saudi Arabia wants Hamas to be completely disarmed, while Egypt's plan suggests making them part of a "political process."

Iranian influence: UAE fears that Shia groups (backed by Iran) could become more influential in Gaza.

Tensions with Israel: Saudi does not want to jeopardize its Israel normalization deal.

What happened at the Arab League meeting?

Supporters: Qatar, Algeria, and Jordan openly supported Egypt's plan.

Saudi-UAE stance: Both countries called the plan "incomplete" and objected to its lack of security guarantees.

Palestinian response: Hamas welcomed the plan, but Israel has not yet responded.

Analysts' opinion:

Dr. Alan Currie (Middle East expert): "The Egyptian plan is practical, but Saudi and UAE opposition reflects US-Iran competition." Al-Jazeera reports: "Lack of unity among Arab countries on Gaza's future may benefit Israel."

Way forward:

Egypt and Qatar have sought UN support for the plan.

The US has welcomed "efforts for peace" but has made no firm commitment.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post