Arab leaders convene in Riyadh to counter U.S. Gaza strategy

Arab leaders are set to gather in Riyadh for a high-level discussion aimed at addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal concerning Gaza. The closed-door summit, scheduled for Friday, will focus on strategies to counter Washington’s suggested control of the war-ravaged enclave and the potential displacement of its population, according to diplomatic and government sources.

The meeting, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will bring together leaders from Gulf nations, Egypt, and Jordan, as reported by Saudi state news agency SPA. Though unofficial, the summit is being held under the banner of the close ties among Arab leaders, SPA added.

Regional Unity and Points of Contention

Trump’s plan has sparked widespread condemnation across the Arab world, uniting regional powers in opposition. However, while there is broad consensus against U.S. control over Gaza, disagreements persist regarding the governance of the strip and how to finance its reconstruction.

Political analyst Umer Karim described the summit as one of the most significant in decades, not only for Palestinian affairs but for the Arab world as a whole.

The controversy began when Trump suggested that the United States should assume control over Gaza while relocating its 2.4 million residents to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. The proposal has been met with international outrage, as it raises concerns over forced displacement and the long-term political future of the Palestinian territories.

SPA reported that discussions on collective Arab action will continue at a larger emergency summit in Egypt, scheduled for March 4. This broader summit is expected to focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and potential responses to U.S. policies in the region.

During a recent meeting in Washington on February 11, Jordan’s King Abdullah II indicated that Egypt would soon present a comprehensive plan addressing the situation in Gaza. A Saudi security official confirmed that the Riyadh summit will explore a version of this Egyptian proposal.

Blueprint for Rebuilding Gaza

A central concern for Arab leaders is the future reconstruction of Gaza, which Trump has cited as a justification for relocating its population. With the enclave facing extensive devastation due to ongoing conflict, Cairo is reportedly formulating a multi-phase initiative to rebuild the strip and stabilize its population.

Although the Egyptian government has yet to officially unveil its plan, Mohamed Hegazy, a former Egyptian diplomat and member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, has outlined a proposed strategy. The plan, expected to span three to five years, consists of three technical phases.

The first phase, lasting six months, would focus on immediate recovery efforts. According to Hegazy, this would involve deploying heavy machinery to clear rubble while designating safe zones within Gaza to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents.

The second phase would involve organizing an international conference dedicated to reconstruction efforts. This stage would prioritize rebuilding critical infrastructure, including water, electricity, and sanitation systems, ensuring that the essential needs of Gaza’s population are met.

The final phase, which would be the most extensive, would center on urban redevelopment. It would include constructing new housing units, restoring educational and healthcare services, and laying the groundwork for sustainable economic recovery.

A United Nations report released earlier this week estimated that rebuilding Gaza could cost upwards of $53 billion, with approximately $20 billion needed in the first three years alone.

A Path Toward a Political Resolution?

Beyond immediate reconstruction efforts, the Egyptian plan also includes a political dimension. Hegazy emphasized that the final phase of the initiative would seek to revive discussions on the two-state solution, a long-standing proposal for establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. This approach, he suggested, could serve as an incentive for maintaining long-term stability and preventing future escalations.

Arab leaders recognize that addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is only one part of the equation. The larger issue remains the political future of the enclave and its people. The Riyadh summit is expected to set the stage for further discussions at the upcoming emergency meeting in Egypt, where more concrete strategies for countering U.S. proposals will be formulated.

As tensions continue to mount over Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, Arab nations appear to be aligning in their opposition. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, with challenges surrounding governance, funding, and long-term political solutions yet to be fully addressed. The outcomes of the Riyadh and Cairo summits may play a crucial role in shaping the next steps for Palestinian statehood and regional stability.