CAIRO – Arab leaders assembly in Cairo on Tuesday are set to endorse a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s name 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 anticipated to incorporate the leaders of regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose assist 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 conflict. 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 extra penalties, elevating fears of a return to conflict.
The suspension of help drew widespread criticism, with human rights teams saying it violated Israel’s obligations as an occupying energy below worldwide legislation.
The brand new plan would require Hamas to launch half its remaining hostages — the militant group’s fundamental 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 element of the primary section.
Egypt’s postwar plan
Egypt has developed a postwar plan by which Palestinians can be relocated to protected 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 position for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and, together with america, has demanded Hamas’ disarmament. Hamas, which doesn’t settle for Israel’s existence, has mentioned it’s prepared 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 prompt Gaza’s roughly 2 million Palestinians be resettled in different nations. He mentioned america would take possession of the war-ravaged territory and redevelop it right into a Center Jap “Riviera.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embraced the proposal, which was roundly rejected by Palestinians, Arab nations and human rights specialists, who mentioned it could probably violate worldwide legislation.
Youngsters from Gaza head to Jordan for remedy
Trump has prompt that Egypt and Jordan, two shut American allies, may absorb massive numbers of Palestinian refugees from Gaza. Each nations 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 kids left Gaza for Jordan on Tuesday, based on Nasser Hospital within the southern Gaza metropolis of Khan Younis. The kids are being accompanied by as much as two relations.
Jordan mentioned the youngsters are amputees, and can return to Gaza when their remedy is full. The dominion has additionally arrange discipline hospitals in Gaza and delivered help by air and land.
The conflict started with Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel, by which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 folks, principally civilians, and took 251 folks 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 dwelling hostages and recovered the stays of dozens extra.
Israel’s 15-month offensive killed over 48,000 Palestinians, based on Gaza’s Well being Ministry. It doesn’t say what number of have been fighters however says ladies 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 top, the conflict displaced some 90% of the inhabitants, principally inside the territory, the place a whole bunch of 1000’s packed into squalid tent camps and faculties repurposed as shelters.
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Jahjouh reported from Khan Younis, Gaza Strip.
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Comply with AP’s conflict protection at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
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