Context:
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has officially accepted an Arab League backed counter proposal to the controversial American proposal for Gaza by President Donald Trump. It signals the regional resistance to external control over Gaza and heralds an alternate view led by Arab states.
Key Developments
OIC Endorsing the Arab League Plan
- The Egyptian drafted plan proposes Gaza’s reconstruction under the Palestinian Authority (PA) rather than a U.S. administration.
- OIC’s 57 member states called for international and regional financial support for this to happen.
- The Arab League had ratified the proposal in Cairo three days earlier.
Rejection of Trump’s Proposal
- Trump’s plan involved U.S. control over Gaza, calling it the “Riviera of the Middle East [West Asia].“
- The plan faced widespread global condemnation, especially for its move to displace Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan.
- The adoption of this Arab League plan by the OIC, thus, is a very strong rejection of Trump’s vision.
Strategic & Diplomatic Implication
Regional Unity against U.S. & Israeli Proposals
- OIC and Arab League will present a coordinated alternative to Western backed plans for Gaza.
- Egypt will lead diplomatic efforts to internationalize this plan and seek support from the US, Japan, Russia, and China.
- This move could strengthen Palestinian diplomatic leverage.
U.S. and Israeli Opposition to the Arab Plan
- Washington rejected the plan stating it “does not meet expectations”.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, however, called it a “good faith first step”, probably hinting at future diplomatic engagement.
- Israel has not yet endorsed any long term governance plan about post war Gaza, rendering implementation very difficult.
Financial/Political Challenges in Rebuilding Gaza
- The plan’s success, therefore, depends heavily on international funding.
- Hamas’ exclusion from governance brings doubts about its practical viability on the ground.
- Long term stabilization in Gaza remains uncertain without an agreed on political settlement.
What is Next?
This move by the OIC signifies a very harsh geopolitical stance against U.S. proposals for Gaza. However, gaining broad international support and political intricacies such as the role of Hamas with the plan will be key challenges in actualizing the Arab League plan.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), formerly the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1969.[1] It consists of 57 member states, 48 of which are Muslim-majority.
- Secretary-General
- Hissein Brahim Taha
