Egypt Plans Islamic Summit to Unite Opposition Against Trump’s Gaza Proposals
Egypt is leading a significant diplomatic initiative aimed at convening an Islamic summit to strengthen opposition against US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for the Gaza Strip. As reports indicate, Trump’s intention includes permanently displacing Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians and transforming the war-ravaged area into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
According to sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts, both Saudi Arabia and Qatar are playing crucial roles in this initiative alongside Egypt. The proposed summit will gather representatives from the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which is based in Saudi Arabia.
The Islamic summit is expected to take place after an upcoming Arab summit scheduled for Cairo on February 27. However, the exact date for the Islamic gathering has yet to be finalized, with potential locations being either Egypt or Saudi Arabia.
This diplomatic move is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to build a robust international coalition against Trump’s proposals, which also include demands for Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinians displaced from their homeland. Trump has threatened to withdraw aid from these US-allied nations if they do not comply.
The primary goals of these summits are to:
- Demonstrate a united front: The summits aim to showcase a collective opposition to Trump’s Gaza proposals.
- Influence US policy: Officials hope that this united stance will persuade Trump to reconsider his plans.
- Revive Arab nationalism: Strengthening Arab solidarity is seen as essential to protecting the Palestinian cause.
Despite these efforts, analysts suggest that altering Trump’s course of action may be a challenging endeavor, especially given his consistent affirmations of commitment to the outlined plans.
Egypt shares borders with both Gaza and Israel, having signed a US-mediated peace treaty in 1979, a pact that has long been viewed as a cornerstone of regional stability. However, this treaty has faced increasing strain since the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict that began in October 2023. Supporting the Palestinians’ right to self-determination remains a fundamental aspect of Egypt’s foreign policy, often putting its relationship with Israel under pressure.
As one source stated, “Rallying the Arab and Muslim worlds against Trump’s ideas for Gaza is meant to put pressure on the American president and influence public opinion in the West.”
This sentiment emphasizes the importance of unity among Arab and Islamic nations in order to challenge Trump’s proposals effectively. “What Trump has proposed can possibly be undermined and made to eventually crumble, so long as there’s Arab and Islamic unity. It’s important at this juncture to revive the old sentiments and mindset of Arab nationalism. It’s the best defense of the Palestinian cause,” the source added.
The anticipated Arab summit is expected to endorse an Egyptian initiative aimed at organizing a conference for international donors and regional stakeholders focused on the reconstruction of Gaza. The infrastructure of Gaza has suffered extensive damage due to Israel’s military actions, leaving many areas in ruins.
In summary, Egypt’s diplomatic efforts, supported by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are crucial in building a unified response to Trump’s Gaza plan. The forthcoming summits aim to solidify opposition and advocate for the rights of Palestinians, while also addressing the urgent need for reconstruction in Gaza.
As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of these diplomatic initiatives will be closely monitored by both regional and international observers. The outcome of the Arab summit and subsequent Islamic gathering could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Gaza and broader Middle Eastern relations.
