The United Arab Emirates is set to lead the 164th regular session of the Arab League Council at the level of permanent representatives today at the organization’s headquarters in Cairo. This meeting serves as a precursor to the Arab foreign ministers’ gathering scheduled for next Thursday. Reports are surfacing regarding U.S. plans to address the future of Gaza following the conflict, alongside Israeli intentions to annex parts of the West Bank.
The discussions will primarily focus on various crucial Arab issues, particularly the developments concerning the Palestinian cause, efforts to gain recognition for the Palestinian state, and strategies to halt the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the agenda includes deliberations on reconstruction plans and ways to support the steadfastness of the Palestinian people politically, economically, and socially.
The meetings will also cover the latest situations in several Arab nations, as well as explore mechanisms to address current regional challenges, aiming to bolster Arab national security and protect shared strategic interests.
Moreover, participants are expected to discuss cooperative economic and social initiatives among Arab countries, including support for the Palestinian economy and enhancing economic integration among Arab states. This is intended to prepare recommendations and decisions for the ministerial meeting, thereby contributing to a comprehensive Arab vision aimed at strengthening joint Arab efforts in confronting regional and international challenges.
Post-Conflict Outlook
This series of Arab meetings occurs amid serious developments in the Palestinian issue, affecting both Gaza and the West Bank. A report from The Washington Post indicates that the administration under President Trump is contemplating a post-war plan for Gaza, which involves U.S. management of the territory, the temporary relocation of Gaza’s residents, and the transformation of the area into a tourist and industrial hub.
According to the newspaper, the 38-page plan suggests that the two million residents of Gaza may leave either “voluntarily” to another country or to designated areas within the territory during the rebuilding process.
The Washington Post further reported that landowners would receive a “digital code” for the rights to redevelop their properties, and every Palestinian who departs would be given $5,000 cash and financial support to cover four years’ worth of rent, along with food supplies for one year.
The plan is referred to as the “Gaza Reconstruction and Economic Acceleration and Transformation Fund,” developed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is overseen by the United States.
West Bank Annexation
As for the West Bank, it is at the center of Israeli annexation objectives. Three Israeli officials noted that Israel is considering annexing parts of the West Bank as a potential response to the recognition of Palestinian statehood by France and other countries. Another Israeli official stated that the idea is receiving more discussion.
A member of the security cabinet mentioned that expanding Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, effectively annexing the territories captured during the 1967 war, was on the agenda of a recent meeting led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is expected to focus on the Gaza conflict.
It remains uncertain where and when such actions would be implemented, whether exclusively in Israeli settlements or selectively in specific areas of the West Bank, such as the Jordan Valley. Furthermore, it is unknown if any tangible steps will follow these discussions, which may involve a long legislative process.