UAE Pressures Trump Administration to Reject Arab League Gaza Plan

The UAE is lobbying the Trump administration to reject an Arab League-endorsed Gaza plan. This has caused tensions between the UAE and Egypt, both of which support Mohammed Dahlan’s influence in Gaza. The UAE criticizes the Egyptian approach for being too lenient on Hamas and pushes for U.S. pressure on Egypt regarding displaced Palestinians. U.S. military aid to Egypt is under reassessment, further complicating bilateral relations amid ongoing regional tensions.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively lobbying the Trump administration to dismiss a post-war Gaza plan initiated by Egypt and endorsed by the Arab League. This situation has resulted in tensions that are causing concern among U.S. diplomats regarding regional interests. The underlying competition among Arab nations for influence in Gaza governance and differing views about Hamas’s role highlight the complexity of the issue.

The UAE’s opposition to the plan raises challenges for Egypt, as both nations align in supporting Mohammed Dahlan, a former Fatah leader, as a key figure in Gaza’s future. A U.S. official remarked, “The UAE could not be the lone state opposing the Arab League plan when it was agreed, but they are trashing it with the Trump administration.” The UAE has utilized its close ties to the White House to criticize the Egyptian proposal, calling it impractical and implying that it disproportionately empowers Hamas.

Yousef al-Otaiba, the Emirati ambassador to the United States, has been influential in persuading U.S. officials to apply pressure on Egypt regarding the acceptance of displaced Palestinians. Notably, he expressed earlier that he found “no alternative” to the U.S. proposal for the forced relocation of Palestinians outside Gaza. This reflects the UAE’s broader strategy against Hamas, which is linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that the UAE aims to diminish throughout the region.

The UAE has criticized the Egyptian plan for not clearly addressing the disarmament of Hamas. While Egyptian officials assert that the governance of Gaza would be managed by the Palestinian Authority, regional dynamics remain strained. Currently, Hamas has accepted the plan, although Israel opposes internationalizing the conflict.

The Trump administration’s recent efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza have faced difficulties, as violence has escalated in the region. The administration’s interference has resulted in discussions regarding the potential release of captives by Hamas in exchange for an extended truce, although tensions remain high.

Ambivalence exists within the Trump administration concerning the Arab League’s Gaza plan, with some officials unwilling to endorse it directly. Meanwhile, there is a reassessment of U.S. military aid to Egypt, with indications that the U.S. intends to reduce support in the coming years. Such ramifications could further strain U.S.-Egypt relations.

Moreover, tensions between the UAE and Egypt complicate the geopolitical landscape as they both advocate for Dahlan’s emergence in Gaza. The geopolitical ties and rivalries also extend to Sudan, where the UAE and Egypt support opposing factions. The Trump administration continues to solicit regional cooperation, particularly concerning the forced relocation of Palestinians to various locations, such as Sudan and Somaliland.

U.S. career officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of Egypt’s Gaza plan, especially in light of endorsements from multiple European nations. The White House has largely disregarded these officials’ warnings about pressuring Egypt into concessionary positions regarding displaced Palestinians.

This geopolitical dynamic remains fluid, as President Trump previously backtracked on his demand for expelling Palestinians from Gaza following discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. The evolving U.S. stance highlights the complexities of international diplomacy in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and wider regional relations.

In summary, the UAE’s lobbying efforts against the Arab League’s Gaza plan illustrate the intricate power dynamics at play in the region. The ongoing competition for influence among Arab states complicates the prospect of a cohesive approach to Gaza’s governance and reconstruction efforts. Amidst rising tensions, U.S. involvement continues to shape the landscape, but the interplay of regional relationships and the impact on humanitarian concerns remain critical factors in the evolving situation.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net