News Report -24/02
Arab states counter Trump’s reconstruction plan for Gaza
Arab states, led by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, are reportedly working on a diplomatic solution to counter US president Trump’s plan to “take over” Gaza and reconstruct it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”, as per Reuters. According to Al Jazeera, on February 20, officials from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan gathered in Riyadh to discuss a proposal by Egypt for Gaza’s future. Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty described the proposal as a “comprehensive, multi-phase plan for Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction,” cited Al Jazeera. According to Reuters, the plan rejects the displacement of Palestinians. Trump’s plan includes the transfer of two million Palestinians to “a parcel of land” in Egypt and Jordan, reported the BBC. Reuters reported that Trump’s plan has prompted Palestinians and others in the region to express fears of a repeat of the 1948 Nakba.
Reuters noted that the Arab states’ efforts face several challenges: The UN estimates the cost of Gaza’s reconstruction to be around 50 billion USD, and while Egypt’s proposal could include up to 20 billion USD over three years pledged mostly by wealthy Gulf and Arab states, commitments have not been confirmed. Additionally, Reuters noted concerns over the governance of the Strip. According to the official Saudi Press Agency, cited by Anadolu Agency, any decisions regarding joint Arab action will be addressed during the upcoming emergency Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4.
Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC, Anadolu Agency
Situation of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners puts ceasefire in jeopardy
The ongoing ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has seen 25 Israeli hostages and more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners freed since January 19, according to the Jerusalem Post and the BBC. Israel suspended the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners that it was supposed to free in exchange for 6 hostages released on February 22. According to The Guardian, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the release of Palestinian prisoners will be postponed due to Hamas’ “disgraceful ceremonies that dishonour our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda… until the release of the next hostages is ensured, without the humiliating ceremonies.” Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanou accused Netanyahu of a “blatant violation of the agreement” and “procrastination and stalling tactics,” cited The Guardian. According to Reuters, bodies of four hostages that were returned to Israel on February 20 were handed over in coffins in “a carefully orchestrated public display.” According to UN News, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the act, with UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reminding that under international law, any handover of a dead person’s remains “must comply with the prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, ensuring respect for the dignity of the deceased – and their families.” Additionally, Reuters reported that the Israeli military said that one of the bodies that was supposed to be Shiri Bibas did not belong to any of the hostages held in Gaza, and remains unidentified. This tension is feared to jeopardize the five-week-old ceasefire.
Sources: The Jerusalem Post, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, UN News
The Impact of the German Elections on Middle Eastern Affairs
On Sunday, February 23, the German voters, highly driven by topics such as immigration and economy, mobilised to the polls, marking the path to the formation of a new government led by the conservatives but also, the rise of the far-right as the second political power of the country with the AFD. The dynamics in the political sphere of Germany will certainly have its play in major happenings of the Middle East, with Afghanistan, Syria, Israel and Palestine in the center. On a first note, the latest developments in Syria have set off a debate between mainstream politicians. Major right-wing politicians have pushed to stop Syrian immigration and have even offered to charter planes to return them to Syria, as Arab News reported. Meanwhile, The National described how the left-wing parties such as the Greens and the SPD have maintained more flexibility in the subject, as they have as well with Afghan immigration. Al-Jazeera has even noted how these political messages have led to uncertainty amongst Afghan asylum seekers in the country. German politicians have also made sure the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains relevant. The stepping down coalition government highlighted during its administration the importance to achieve a ceasefire, ensure Israel's right to exist and reduce the effects of the humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, CDU and CSU leaders, as the upcoming biggest political players in the Bundestag, have stated that they will double down on their attempts to guarantee Israel's national security, as German newsletter Qantara explained. Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and the man set to be the next German Chancellor has said Germany should provide Israel with military support, end “export blockades”, and stand “firmly at Israel's side”. Haaretz has mentioned this might be an effort to secure a stable relationship with the AFD. What is certain is that several Middle Eastern countries will be affected by the forthcoming administration.
Sources: Arab News, The National, Qantara.de, The Times of Israel, Haaretz, Al Jazeera
