An Arab shift on Gaza and Hamas - opinion

The Jerusalem Post (Link) - Yaara Segal (March 9, 2025)

The Arab countries understand that for both Israel and the Trump administration, the removal of Hamas from power is a non-negotiable condition for moving forward. The onus is now on them.

The United States and Israel have rejected the new Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, which was unveiled following the March 4 Arab Summit in Cairo.

Dubbed “Gaza 2030,” the Arab plan envisions the creation of a new governing body in the Gaza Strip – excluding Hamas – to oversee reconstruction and humanitarian efforts. However, the plan does not mention the need for Hamas to lay down its weapons and relinquish control over the Strip, much to the dismay of the US and Israel.

National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes remarked that the proposal did not “acknowledge the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable.” He also reiterated that “President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas” and emphasized that the administration “looks forward to further talks to bring peace and prosperity to the region.”