Egypt has introduced a proposal for governing Gaza that excludes Hamas and establishes an interim administrative body supported by Arab, Muslim, and Western nations, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.
The plan, set to be discussed at an Arab League summit on Tuesday, is positioned as an alternative to a controversial proposal reportedly envisioned by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggested relocating Gaza’s Palestinian population. However, Egypt’s plan does not specify whether it would take effect before or after a lasting peace agreement to resolve the conflict sparked by the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The future governance of Gaza remains a central issue in diplomatic talks. Hamas has firmly opposed any externally imposed solution, maintaining that Gaza’s political future should be determined solely by Palestinians.
Interim Administration Proposal
Egypt’s proposal suggests replacing Hamas’ administration in Gaza with a Governance Assistance Mission for an unspecified transition period. This body would oversee humanitarian aid efforts and reconstruction in the enclave.
According to the draft, “No significant international funding for Gaza’s rehabilitation and reconstruction will be provided if Hamas remains the dominant political and military force controlling local governance.”
For nearly a month, Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf nations have been working on diplomatic efforts to counter Trump’s reported plan. While Egypt’s proposal is seen as a practical alternative, it is unclear whether Arab leaders will fully endorse it.
The document does not specify who would lead the interim governance body but states that it would “utilize the expertise of Palestinians both inside and outside Gaza to facilitate a swift recovery.”
Rejection of Forced Displacement
The draft also explicitly opposes any initiative that would involve the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, a scenario that Egypt and Jordan consider a major security risk.
An official involved in the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared the details of the Egyptian proposal but noted that it has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Hamas Rejects the Plan
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri denied knowledge of the proposal and stated, “Gaza’s future must be decided by Palestinians alone. Hamas rejects any attempt to impose external governance or any foreign presence in the Gaza Strip.“
Notably, the draft does not mention potential elections in Gaza, leaving uncertainty about the long-term political framework.
Egypt’s foreign ministry has not responded to requests for comment, and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, whose position could significantly impact reconstruction efforts, has also remained silent on the matter.
