Saudi Arabia is spearheading efforts to develop a unified Arab vision for Gaza’s future, countering a proposal linked to U.S. President Donald Trump that suggested a Middle East without a Palestinian presence. According to ten sources cited by Reuters, Saudi officials will present their draft proposal at a regional meeting in Riyadh this month, aiming to consolidate an Arab-led alternative to external plans.
Arab States Reject U.S. Resettlement Proposal
Trump’s previous plan, which reportedly included resettling Palestinians in Jordan and Egypt, was met with outrage across the Arab world. Both Cairo and Amman strongly opposed the idea, viewing it as a direct threat to their national sovereignty and a violation of Palestinian rights. Saudi Arabia, which has positioned itself as a central player in Arab-Israeli relations, was particularly angered by the proposal, as it undermined the kingdom’s long-standing call for a clear path to Palestinian statehood in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel.
Saudi Leadership and Regional Consensus
While Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) had close ties with Trump during his first term, the Gaza resettlement plan has created significant friction. The ongoing war in Gaza, coupled with widespread public anger in the region over Israeli military actions, has intensified Saudi and broader Arab opposition. In a recent Islamic Summit, Saudi Arabia accused Israel of genocide, signaling a stronger stance against the current situation.
Egypt’s Proposal Gains Traction
A new Egyptian-led proposal has emerged as the most viable solution, according to multiple Egyptian security sources. The plan involves:
• Establishing a national Palestinian governing committee to oversee Gaza, excluding Hamas.
• Funding reconstruction with Gulf and international investments, ensuring that Palestinians remain in Gaza.
• Progressing toward a two-state solution, rather than resettling Palestinians elsewhere.
• Erecting a buffer zone and physical barrier along Gaza’s border with Egypt to prevent the construction of underground tunnels.
• Setting up temporary living zones as soon as debris is cleared.
However, key challenges remain, particularly regarding internal governance and preventing Hamas from playing a role in post-war Gaza.
Gulf States Demand Guarantees for Reconstruction
Gulf countries, historically the main financial backers of Gaza’s reconstruction, are reluctant to reinvest without guarantees that Israel will not destroy what they rebuild. Previous efforts have been repeatedly undone by conflict, leaving Gulf leaders hesitant to commit resources without concrete assurances.
Saudi Arabia Expands Global Influence
Despite the tensions surrounding Gaza, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its global standing, leveraging its economic influence in business and geopolitics. The kingdom’s Sovereign Wealth Fund is hosting a high-profile investment conference in Miami this month, which Trump is expected to attend. This reflects MBS’s strategic approach, balancing regional leadership with global economic ambitions.
Conclusion
As Saudi Arabia leads discussions on Gaza’s future, the kingdom is asserting itself as a key power broker in the Middle East. The rejection of Trump’s resettlement plan, the pursuit of an Arab-backed reconstruction strategy, and the broader push for a Palestinian-led governance structure mark a significant shift in regional diplomacy. However, the long-term resolution of Gaza’s crisis remains highly uncertain, with governance, security, and international guarantees still unresolved issues.