On February 21, 2025, Arab leaders will gather in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They aim to discuss a unified response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza plan. This proposal suggests relocating the 2.4 million residents of Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. Consequently, it has sparked significant outrage across the Arab world.
Context of the Meeting
The meeting follows Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would take control of Gaza. Many perceive this move as an affront to Palestinian self-determination. Thus, the proposal has generated rare unity among Arab states. They seek to collectively reject the idea of forcibly relocating Gazans. This concept evokes painful memories of displacement during the establishment of Israel in 1948.
Key Objectives
The summit aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Reject Trump’s Proposal: Arab leaders will formally denounce the idea of relocating Gazans and reaffirm their commitment to Palestinian statehood.
- Develop a Reconstruction Plan: They will discuss an alternative reconstruction plan for Gaza that counters Trump’s vision and emphasizes Palestinian-led solutions.
- Establish Governance Framework: The summit will address who will govern Gaza post-conflict and how reconstruction efforts will be financed, potentially sidelining Hamas in the process.
Participants
The summit will include representatives from key Arab states:
- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- Jordan
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- The Palestinian Authority
This gathering signals a significant moment of cooperation among these nations. They aim to present a cohesive front against what they perceive as an unjust U.S. proposal.
Proposed Alternatives
In preparation for the Riyadh meeting, discussions have revolved around an Egyptian-led reconstruction plan. Although details remain under wraps, it is expected to focus on rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure while ensuring that its current residents remain in place. The proposed plan may unfold in three phases:
- Initial Recovery: Clearing debris and temporarily relocating residents to designated safe zones.
- Utility Restoration: Rebuilding essential services such as water, electricity, and healthcare.
- Urban Planning: Developing housing and social services to support long-term recovery.
While this plan offers a framework for reconstruction, securing financing remains a significant challenge. Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have indicated that they require reassurances regarding Hamas’s role in Gaza’s future governance before committing funds.
Importance of Unity
The upcoming summit underscores the importance of unity among Arab nations in addressing the Palestinian issue. Moreover, with Trump’s proposal viewed as a potential catalyst for increased instability in the region, Arab leaders are keen to present a coordinated response that prioritizes Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
Implications for Regional Stability
The outcomes of this meeting could have lasting implications for regional stability and Israeli-Palestinian relations. If Arab states can agree on a comprehensive plan that addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term governance issues, it may pave the way for renewed dialogue around Palestinian statehood.
Conversely, failure to reach consensus could exacerbate tensions within the region and undermine existing peace agreements between Israel and several Arab states. The stakes are high as leaders prepare for this pivotal gathering in Riyadh.
Conclusion
As Arab leaders prepare to meet in Riyadh on February 21, they face a critical opportunity. They can counter Trump’s controversial Gaza plan while advocating for a future that prioritizes Palestinian rights. By presenting a united front and developing concrete alternatives, these nations can stabilize Gaza without forcibly displacing its residents. The outcome of this summit may shape regional diplomacy and influence the broader quest for peace in the Middle East.
