Trump’s Proposal on Gaza and Cairo Declaration on Gaza

Context: Recently, an Emergency Summit was held in Cairo, Egypt, by the Arab League to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israeli military actions.

Cairo Declaration on Gaza – The $53-Billion Reconstruction Plan

• The Cairo Declaration adopted an Egyptian-led $53-billion reconstruction plan for Gaza.
• It includes political, financial, and material support from Arab nations
• It is the First major Arab proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction and governance post-war, contingent on a full ceasefire.

Key Elements of the Cairo Declaration

Governance & Political Structure for Gaza

• The declaration calls for a “Gaza administration committee” comprising qualified Gazans for a transitional period.
• This interim administration is meant to prepare for the return of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern Gaza and hold elections.
• The declaration does not explicitly mention Hamas or its removal, which was criticized by Israel and the US.

UN Peacekeeping & Security in Gaza and the West Bank

• It reiterates the Bahrain Declaration (May 2024), which called for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Two-State Solution & Palestinian Sovereignty

• It reaffirms commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and the two-state solution.
• Calls for a sovereign Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
• It stresses that Arab recognition of Israeli sovereignty is contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Trust Fund for Reconstruction

• Establishment of a “Trust Fund” to finance Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction projects.

Palestinian Political Unity

• The declaration called for all Palestinian factions to unite under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) after essential reforms.
• PLO (which includes Fatah) is recognized as the “sole legitimate representative” of the Palestinian people.
  • Hamas is not part of the PLO.

Key Proposals of US President

Palestinians Should Leave Gaza

• Trump suggested Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab states should accept Gaza refugees.
• Claimed that Palestinians would not want to return as Gaza had become a “demolition site”.
• He also stated that he could convince Jordan and Egypt to accept displaced Palestinians.

S. to ‘Take Over’ Gaza

• Declared that the S. would “own” Gaza and be responsible for:
  • Clearing unexploded bombs and weapons.
  • Developing Gaza economically, calling it the “Riviera of the Middle East”.
  • Creating thousands of jobs to make it a model of prosperity.

Return of ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran

• Trump signed an executive order to reimpose maximum pressure sanctions on Iran.
• Re-designated the Yemeni Houthis as a terrorist organization.

Widespread Global Opposition

• Saudi Arabia: Rejected the proposal, reaffirming its long-standing support for an independent Palestinian state.
• European & Global Leaders: Australia, Ireland, Germany, China, and New Zealand rejected Trump’s plan and reiterated support for a two-state solution.
• Turkey: Forced deportations of Palestinians were unacceptable.
• Palestinian Authority: President Mahmoud Abbas urged the UN to protect Palestinian rights, calling Trump’s plan a violation of international law.

Why Are Egypt and Jordan Rejecting Trump’s Proposal?

Jordan’s Strong Resistance

• Jordan’s Foreign Ministry warned in September 2024 that any attempt to resettle Palestinians in Jordan would be considered a declaration of war.

Demographic & Political Risks

• Jordan already hosts over 2 million Palestinian refugees (1 in 5 people).
• The rise of Palestinian nationalist groups (e.g., the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Islamic Action Front (IAF)) threatens Jordan’s monarchy.
• The 2024 Jordanian elections saw the IAF win 31 seats—its largest victory since 1992, partly due to its pro-Hamas stance.

Egypt’s Concerns

• President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has cracked down on the Muslim Brotherhood since 2013, fearing Islamist movements could gain influence.
• Accepting displaced Palestinians could strengthen opposition forces.

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