Egypt’s Bold Gaza Strategy: What It Means for Hamas and Future Governance

According to a draft plan from Egypt, Hamas will be excluded from governing Gaza after the war ends. This document was discussed during an emergency summit of Arab leaders in Cairo.

Egypt’s president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has proposed that a temporary Palestinian committee, made up of independent professionals, will take over governance in Gaza. This committee aims to manage the area’s needs until the Palestinian Authority (PA) can step back in.

“Egypt, along with its Palestinian partners, is working to form a professional body that can effectively govern Gaza,” Sisi stated at the summit. This committee will oversee relief efforts and address various issues in the region during a temporary period.

The plan, which will be presented to U.S. President Donald Trump soon, outlines a six-month interim governance period under the PA. Members of this committee would not have ties to any Palestinian factions.

Named “Gaza 2030,” the 91-page proposal suggests that Egypt and Jordan will provide training for Palestinian police to ensure security in Gaza. The document emphasizes international involvement by calling for peacekeepers in both Gaza and the West Bank, aiming to protect both Palestinian and Israeli communities.

The plan also aims to reject any notion of displacing Palestinians from Gaza, instead urging the international community to tackle the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict. It emphasizes the need for a transitional governance structure that maintains the vision of a two-state solution and prevents future conflicts.

The ambitious project includes developing shopping centers, an international convention center, and even an airport within five years. The goal is also to attract tourists with new resorts along Gaza’s Mediterranean coastline.

Egypt estimates that rebuilding Gaza will cost around $53 billion. Initial funds will go toward clearing debris and ensuring safe housing. The project also earmarks money for utilities and infrastructure development.

However, disarming militants in Gaza poses a significant challenge. The document admits that this issue can only be resolved through a credible political process that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

Despite ongoing discussions, Hamas has made it clear that its arms are non-negotiable. A senior official from the group stated that they would not be open to trading their weapons for assistance or reconstruction efforts. Some representatives from Hamas have indicated a willingness to step away from governance, provided it remains a matter only for Palestinians to decide.

Israeli officials remain uncertain about Gaza’s future, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsing a different approach but refusing to specify how governance should unfold. His stance, aligning with Trump’s earlier plan, suggests a significant change in the region’s power dynamics.

Meanwhile, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is hanging by a thread. Recent actions by Israel, including blocking humanitarian aid, have intensified tensions, with Hamas accusing Israel of violating the agreement and undermining humanitarian efforts.

The atmosphere remains tense, as the deadline for negotiations draws near. Israeli officials warn that if Hamas does not comply with their conditions, military action might resume.