In brief
Arab leaders are poised to meet in Riyadh to devise an alternative to President Trump's proposals for Gaza, aiming to ensure the safety and preservation of Palestinian residents.
In response to President Trump’s contentious vision for Gaza, leaders from Gulf Arab nations, along with Egyptian and Jordanian officials, will convene on Friday in Riyadh. This high-stakes meeting aims to develop a unified strategy to counter the proposed U.S.-led redevelopment of Gaza that has sparked outrage within the Arab world. The discussions serve as precursor to a larger gathering planned for the Arab League summit scheduled for early March in Egypt. The uproar began last month following Trump’s assertion that the U.S. could take control of the Gaza Strip, with intentions to transform it into what he dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East.” This plan included relocating the territory's two million Palestinian inhabitants to neighboring countries, drawing widespread condemnation from Arab leaders. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently challenged these countries to present a viable alternative, stating, "If the Arab countries have a better plan, then that’s great.” In response, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have rapidly initiated discussions to formulate a counter-plan that would maintain the current Palestinian population and support the prospect of a sovereign Palestinian state. According to officials close to the negotiations, this alternative would involve significant funding and reconstruction oversight from Arab states, preserving the residents’ rights and involvement in the future of their homeland. Among the numerous proposals that have been considered, one of the most ambitious came from Emirati entrepreneur Khalaf al-Habtoor. His vision aims to expedite the reconstruction of Gaza within just a few years, moving away from the notion of a decades-long rebuilding process. However, no consensus on a definitive alternative has yet emerged, and Arab leaders are keen to present a united front in the discussions.
