Arab League Backs Egyptian Plan for Postwar Gaza Amidst Diverging Visions

As the conflict in Gaza continues, regional and international actors are increasingly focused on shaping the territory's future. The Arab League has formally endorsed a comprehensive Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, signaling a unified Arab stance on the postwar arrangements. This initiative, however, faces significant hurdles, including differing visions among key stakeholders, the immense scale of destruction, and the persistent challenge of ensuring security and stability.

The Egyptian proposal, endorsed by Arab leaders at a summit in Cairo on Tuesday, aims to allow the roughly two million Palestinian residents of Gaza to remain in the war-ravaged enclave without displacement. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi emphasized the "consensus among the Arab countries to support the reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, which allows the Palestinian People to stay on their land without displacement." The $53 billion plan encompasses three phases and envisions a unified Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967, borders, with its capital in eastern Jerusalem, governed by the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Key Components of the Arab League-Backed Plan

The Egyptian plan outlines a phased approach to rebuilding Gaza, addressing immediate humanitarian needs and long-term governance. Key elements include:

• Transitional Governance: A "Gaza Administration Committee," composed of politically independent technocrats, would govern Gaza for six months, paving the way for a unified Palestinian state.
• Security: The plan calls for the establishment of a police force trained by Egypt and Jordan. However, it lacks specific details on disarming Hamas and other militant groups.
• Reconstruction: The $53 billion reconstruction effort would be managed in coordination with regional organizations, with funds administered by donor countries to ensure transparency and efficiency.
• International Cooperation: The plan emphasizes collaboration with international and Arab stakeholders, particularly Egypt, on cross-border security, access, and movement.

Diverging Visions and Obstacles

Despite the Arab League's endorsement, the Egyptian plan faces significant challenges and competing visions for postwar Gaza.

• Israeli Opposition: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any role for Hamas or the PA in governing postwar Gaza. He has expressed commitment to a plan that would entail taking over Gaza and resettling its population, an idea vehemently opposed by the Arab world and many other nations. Some Israeli officials advocate for continued military control at the border and the ability to conduct security operations inside Gaza.
• Palestinian Divisions: While the PA has expressed readiness to assume "full responsibility" in postwar Gaza, internal divisions between Fatah and Hamas remain a significant obstacle. While there have been reports of a preliminary agreement between Fatah and Hamas to appoint a committee of independent technocrats to administer Gaza after the war, skepticism remains about the long-term viability of such an arrangement.
• Hamas's Stance: Hamas has rejected any scenarios where it is removed from Gaza's governance. A senior Hamas leader dismissed any talk of disarming the group as "nonsense."
• U.S. Involvement: The U.S. seeks to involve its Middle Eastern partners in postwar governance plans for Gaza, potentially linking this cooperation with an Israel-Saudi normalization deal. However, the U.S. also faces the challenge of navigating the divergent views of regional actors and ensuring that any governance scheme does not deepen U.S. military involvement in the region.
• Scale of Destruction: The scale of destruction in Gaza is unprecedented, with estimates suggesting that 65% to 75% of all buildings have been destroyed or damaged. Removing the estimated 50 million tons of rubble will be a complex and dangerous undertaking. Experts estimate that roughly 60 years of development have been lost in the conflict, requiring a reconstruction effort on a scale unseen since World War II.

The Path Forward

The reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of a stable and sustainable governance structure will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Key considerations include:

• Security: Addressing the security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians is paramount. This will require a comprehensive approach that includes disarming militant groups, establishing a reliable security force, and preventing future attacks.
• Governance: Establishing a legitimate and representative governing body is crucial for ensuring stability and fostering long-term development. This may involve reforming the PA, incorporating local expertise, and ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Reconstruction: Securing the necessary funding and resources for reconstruction will be a major challenge. International efforts must focus on rebuilding not only physical infrastructure but also essential services such as healthcare, education, water, and electricity.
• Regional Cooperation: Engaging key Arab states, particularly Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, will be essential for securing political and financial support for postwar Gaza.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the displaced and vulnerable populations of Gaza is a moral imperative. This includes ensuring access to food, water, shelter, and medical care.

Conclusion

The Arab League's endorsement of the Egyptian plan represents a significant step towards establishing a framework for postwar Gaza. However, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Overcoming these obstacles will require a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and cooperation from all parties involved. The future of Gaza hinges on the ability of Israelis, Palestinians, and the international community to find common ground and work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.