Trump Administration Awaits Arab States’ Plan for Gaza

The Trump administration is giving Arab nations the opportunity to develop their own plan for Gaza, as it waits to see if a unified approach will emerge following a key five-nation meeting on Friday. Saudi Arabia is set to host leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction while ensuring that its residents are not relocated.

This meeting follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprising proposal for a U.S.-led revitalization of Gaza, which included a call for Egypt and Jordan to absorb nearly 2 million Gazans. The suggestion drew strong reactions from several Arab countries, leading the White House to take a step back and allow regional leaders to formulate their own strategy.

The Trump administration believes that Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt have potential alternatives to Trump’s initial plan and is prepared to consider their proposals. U.S. officials are confident that funding for Gaza’s reconstruction would not be an issue, as many international stakeholders are ready to support rebuilding efforts. However, a significant challenge remains in determining who would govern Gaza, with the administration insisting that Hamas must be removed from power to avoid future conflicts.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to secure Saudi backing for the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release agreement. Additionally, Trump’s Middle East special envoy, Steve Witkoff, held discussions in Riyadh, further emphasizing the administration’s focus on regional diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is also monitoring the situation in southern Lebanon, where Israel maintains troops at strategic points despite an expired ceasefire with Hezbollah. The ceasefire’s terms require the Lebanese Armed Forces to regain control of southern Lebanon, pushing Hezbollah north of the Litani River. The White House remains hopeful that Israel’s limited military presence will not disrupt the broader peace process.

As the Trump administration continues to engage in Middle East diplomacy, it is strategically allowing Arab states to take the lead on Gaza’s future. This approach highlights a shift toward regional responsibility while maintaining U.S. support for a stable and secure Middle East.

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