Arab Leaders Convene To Challenge Trump’s Gaza Strategy

Arab leaders are set to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a crucial closed-door summit to address US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza. Scheduled for Friday, the meeting will bring together the leaders of Gulf Arab nations, Egypt, and Jordan to discuss strategies to counter Washington’s proposal for US control over the besieged enclave and the displacement of its 2.4 million residents.

According to Saudi state news agency SPA, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has extended invitations for what is described as an “informal” meeting. However, the discussions are expected to have significant geopolitical implications for the Arab world and the Palestinian cause.

Trump’s plan has sparked rare unity among Arab states, with widespread opposition to the proposed US administration of Gaza. However, deep divisions remain over who should govern the territory post-conflict and how to finance its reconstruction.

The Most Significant Arab Summit in Decades

Experts have labeled this summit as one of the most consequential Arab meetings in recent history. Umer Karim, a Saudi foreign policy analyst, believes the Riyadh gathering could shape the future of Palestinian governance and broader regional stability.

The urgency of the meeting stems from Trump’s comments, which have triggered a global backlash. His proposal that the US “take over the Gaza Strip” and relocate its population to Egypt and Jordan has been widely condemned as a violation of Palestinian sovereignty and human rights.

Amid growing pressure, Arab nations have been working on an alternative roadmap. Saudi Arabia and Egypt are leading efforts to formulate a more sustainable solution that ensures Gaza’s governance remains in Palestinian hands while addressing the region’s security concerns.

The Role of Egypt and Jordan

Jordan’s King Abdullah II has been actively engaged in diplomatic discussions on the issue. After meeting with Trump in Washington on February 11, he revealed that Egypt would be presenting a plan to navigate the crisis. A Saudi security source confirmed that the Riyadh talks would focus on a version of the Egyptian proposal.

While Cairo has yet to publicly announce its strategy, Egyptian former diplomat Mohamed Hegazy has outlined a three-phase technical approach for Gaza’s recovery and governance.

Early Recovery (Six Months)
The initial phase would focus on immediate humanitarian aid and stabilization. Heavy machinery would be deployed to clear debris, and designated safe zones within Gaza would be established to temporarily relocate displaced residents.
Reconstruction & Infrastructure (Three-Year Plan)
A second phase would include an international conference to outline the details of Gaza’s rebuilding process. Infrastructure projects, including the restoration of electricity, water supply, and healthcare facilities, would be prioritized.
Long-Term Political Stability
The final phase would involve urban planning, construction of housing units, and the re-establishment of educational institutions. Additionally, this stage would aim to launch a political dialogue that could lead to the implementation of the two-state solution.

Hegazy emphasized that this plan is designed not only to rebuild Gaza but also to create an incentive for a sustainable truce between Israel and Palestine.

The Financial Cost of Rebuilding Gaza

The cost of rebuilding Gaza is staggering. A recent report by the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union estimates that reconstruction efforts will require over $53 billion. Of this, more than $20 billion would be needed within the first three years alone.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to play a leading role in securing financial commitments from the international community. However, Arab nations remain wary of any reconstruction effort that could be manipulated to justify a long-term US or Israeli military presence in Gaza.

Trump’s Strategy: A Risky Gamble

While Trump has cited reconstruction as a justification for his Gaza plan, many Arab leaders see it as a smokescreen for deeper geopolitical ambitions. Critics argue that the US administration’s interest in Gaza is primarily driven by strategic motives, including securing Israeli interests and maintaining influence in the region.

Far-right ministers in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet have already pushed for a military occupation of Gaza. Despite the ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19, Israel has continued its military operations in the enclave, violating the terms of the truce.

Since the ceasefire, Israel has released 1,135 Palestinian prisoners, with 502 more scheduled for release this week. Meanwhile, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have freed 25 captives since the deal was enacted.

A New Political Landscape for Gaza?

As Arab leaders prepare to meet in Riyadh, the key question remains: What does a long-term governance plan for Gaza look like?

While Hamas has rejected calls for its removal or disarmament, moderate factions within the Palestinian leadership have expressed willingness to engage in a broader political settlement. Some experts suggest that an interim governing authority, backed by Arab states and international organizations, could oversee Gaza’s transition period.

The upcoming emergency Arab summit in Egypt on March 4 is expected to build on discussions from the Riyadh meeting, further solidifying a joint Arab stance against Trump’s proposal.

The Road Ahead

The Riyadh summit marks a pivotal moment for the Arab world. As leaders gather behind closed doors, they face the immense challenge of countering US influence while ensuring Gaza’s future remains in Palestinian hands.

With reconstruction efforts looming and political tensions at an all-time high, the decisions made in Riyadh could define the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for years to come.

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