Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has left Riyadh after attending a crucial informal meeting with Gulf Arab states and Jordan to discuss the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The meeting, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focused on an alternative plan to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for Gaza.
Arab States Reject Gaza Resettlement Proposal
Trump’s plan to redevelop war-torn Gaza into an international beach resort and relocate Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan has been met with outright rejection. Both Egypt and Jordan cite national security concerns and have dismissed the idea. However, despite this strong opposition, Arab nations have yet to agree on a concrete counter-strategy.
Saudi Arabia and UAE Push for a Palestinian State
The high-level meeting was attended by Jordan’s King Abdullah, Crown Prince Hussein, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, and Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. While Riyadh has not officially commented on the talks, sources confirm discussions revolved around an Egyptian-led proposal backed by up to $20 billion in Gulf and Arab funding over three years.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE, key U.S. allies in the region, have firmly opposed any forced displacement of Gaza’s Palestinian population. Instead, they advocate for a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for a Palestinian state that coexists peacefully with Israel.
The Future of Gaza Remains Uncertain
Despite the urgency of the discussions, no concrete resolution has been reached. While Arab states reject Trump’s vision, their lack of a unified counter-proposal raises concerns about Gaza’s future. The international community is closely watching whether these nations will step forward with a viable plan to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ensure lasting peace in the region.
