CAIRO — Arab leaders assembly in Cairo on Tuesday are set to endorse a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for the Gaza Strip to be depopulated and transformed into a beach destination, even because the continuation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire is unsure.
The summit hosted by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is predicted to incorporate the leaders of regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose help is essential for any postwar plan.
Israel has in the meantime embraced what it says is an alternative U.S. proposal for the ceasefire itself and the discharge of hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault that triggered the battle. It has blocked the entry of meals, gasoline, medication and different provides to Gaza to attempt to get Hamas to just accept the brand new proposal and has warned of further penalties, elevating fears of a return to battle.
The suspension of support drew widespread criticism, with human rights teams saying it violated Israel’s obligations as an occupying energy below worldwide regulation.
The brand new plan would require Hamas to launch half its remaining hostages — the militant group’s important bargaining chip — in change for a ceasefire extension and a promise to barter an enduring truce. Israel made no point out of releasing extra Palestinian prisoners — a key part of the primary section.
Egypt’s postwar plan
Egypt has developed a postwar plan through which Palestinians can be relocated to secure areas inside Gaza geared up with cell houses whereas its cities are rebuilt. Hamas would cede energy to an interim administration of political independents till a reformed Palestinian Authority can assume management.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Western-backed authority and an opponent of Hamas, was attending the summit.
Israel has dominated out any function for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and, together with the USA, has demanded Hamas’ disarmament. Hamas, which doesn’t settle for Israel’s existence, has stated it’s keen to cede energy in Gaza to different Palestinians however will not give up its arms till there’s a Palestinian state.
Trump shocked the area final month when he advised Gaza’s roughly 2 million Palestinians be resettled in different international locations. He stated the USA would take possession of the war-ravaged territory and redevelop it right into a Center Japanese “Riviera.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embraced the proposal, which was roundly rejected by Palestinians, Arab international locations and human rights specialists, who stated it could seemingly violate worldwide regulation.
Kids from Gaza head to Jordan for remedy
Trump has advised that Egypt and Jordan, two shut American allies, may absorb massive numbers of Palestinian refugees from Gaza. Each international locations have adamantly rejected any such plan.
Assembly with Trump on the White Home final month, Jordan’s King Abdullah II offered to take in some 2,000 children for medical remedy. The primary batch of round 30 youngsters left Gaza for Jordan on Tuesday, in keeping with Nasser Hospital within the southern Gaza metropolis of Khan Younis. The youngsters are being accompanied by as much as two relations.
Jordan stated the kids are amputees, and can return to Gaza when their remedy is full. The dominion has additionally arrange subject hospitals in Gaza and delivered support by air and land.
The battle started with Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel, through which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 individuals, principally civilians, and took 251 individuals hostage. Hamas-led militants are nonetheless holding 59 hostages, 35 of whom are believed to be lifeless.
Many of the relaxation have been launched in ceasefire agreements. Israel has rescued eight residing hostages and recovered the stays of dozens extra.
Israel’s 15-month offensive killed over 48,000 Palestinians, in keeping with Gaza’s Well being Ministry. It doesn’t say what number of have been fighters however says girls and kids made up greater than half the lifeless. Israel says it killed over 17,000 militants, with out offering proof.
The offensive destroyed massive areas of Gaza, together with a lot of its well being system and different infrastructure. At its peak, the battle displaced some 90% of the inhabitants, principally throughout the territory, the place tons of of hundreds packed into squalid tent camps and colleges repurposed as shelters.
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Jahjouh reported from Khan Younis, Gaza Strip.
