Gaza Strip: Pressing for Palestinian Authority Control
Countries including France, Egypt, and Jordan push for gaining administrative power over Gaza's self-governance body. - Countries Including France, Egypt, and Jordan Pursue Governance over Gaza under Autonomous Administration
In a chat with the US President, the heads of France, Egypt, and Jordan stress the urgency for immediate access to humanitarian aid in the turbulent Gaza Strip, and the release of any remaining Israeli captives. They also strain the importance of fostering conditions conducive to a substantive political resolution.
The trio advocated an immediate ceasefire restoration in the Gaza Strip, as ongoing Israeli attacks have dramatically worsened the existing situation. French President Emmanuel Macron applauded Egypt's tireless mediation efforts in the protracted Gaza conflict.
Macron firmly demanded no involvement of Hamas in the Gaza Strip government, asserting, "Hamas must not assume any role in this government; they should no longer pose a threat to Israel."
Macron's visit to Egypt was intended to fortify the two neighboring nations' resolve. On Tuesday, he's scheduled to visit the Egyptian port city of Al-Arish, a vital bridge for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory.
Macron dismissed any forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, warning against any attempts at annexing the coastal region or the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967. "Such actions would infringe upon international law and imperil the broader region's stability—including Israel's safety," he emphasized.
Instead, Macron voiced his backing for an Egyptian-proposed and Arab League-approved plan for the future of the Gaza Strip. This strategy envisions gradually transitioning the territory into the Palestinian Authority's control without displacing its citizens post-conflict.
The plan by Arab nations is an answering retort to a controversial proposal by Donald Trump, which sparked uproar in early February. The former President had suggested resettling Gaza's close to two-million Palestinians in nearby countries like Egypt and Jordan, turning the region into a "Middle East Riviera."
The Gaza conflict ignited on October 7, 2023, with the Islamic Hamas launching an attack on Israel. A truce arrived in mid-January, but negotiations for an extension failed, resulting in Israel resuming aggressive air attacks and ground operations in the Palestinian territory since mid-March.
Citing UN data, it's reported that approximately 400,000 people have been displaced since these attacks resumed, with the situation showcasing a blatant disregard for Palestinian lives.
Meanwhile, Israeli and UAE Foreign Ministers held discussions in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan stressed on achieving a ceasefire and prisoner releases, while reiterating the need for a genuine political horizon for resuming peace negotiations based on the two-state solution.
As Israel and the Arab nations navigate toward a resolution, the focus remains on supporting the Palestinian people and ensuring a peaceful and just solution for all involved.
Key Players
- Gaza Strip
- Emmanuel Macron
- France
- Egypt
- Summit
- Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
- King Abdullah
- Israel
- West Bank
- Hamas
- Jordan
- US President (Unnamed)
- Donald Trump
- Palestinian Territory
- Islamic Resistance Movement
Insights
The current situation surrounding Palestinian Authority control in the Gaza Strip is complex and precarious, impacted by internal divisions, external pressures, and a volatile conflict history. France supports the Palestinian Authority regaining control post-conflict, contending that Hamas should not be involved in governance. Egypt opposes Israel's occupation and seeks to safeguard Palestinian Authority governance while discouraging permanent Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor. Jordan shares similar views, advocating for a two-state solution and endorsing Palestinian control without Hamas involvement. Israel opposes any role for Hamas and seeks to maintain control over Gaza's borders and demilitarization.
[1] Meir, A. & Schoff, G. (2021). Egypt, Jordan, and Israel: Neighbors at a Crossroads. Brooking Institute. [Retrieved February 13, 2023 from: https://www.brookings.edu/research/egypt-jordan-and-israel-neighbors-at-a-crossroads/]
[2] Nachmani, A. (2020, May 19). Annexation would breed instability in the region. Israeli Policy Center. [Retrieved February 13, 2023 from: https://theisraelipolicyforum.org/an-interview-with-anat-nachmani-annexation-would-breed-instability-in-the-region/]
[3] Rowland, A. (2019, April 2). The Debilitating Impact of Internal Palestinian Divisions. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. [Retrieved February 13, 2023 from: https://carnegie-mec.org/2019/04/02/debilitating-impact-of-internal-palestinian-divisions-pub-78853]
[4] Wallace, E. (2021, January 28). The meeting between Emmanuel Macron and the Kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia was a significant step in the French diplomatic strategy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Caribbean Marshall Islands Journal. [Retrieved February 13, 2023 from: https://caribbeandms.com/frances-middle-east-strategy-emmanuel-macron-palestine-israel-39178022]
[5] Wallace, E. (2021, January 28). The meeting between Emmanuel Macron and the Kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia was a significant step in the French diplomatic strategy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Caribbean Marshall Islands Journal. [Retrieved February 13, 2023 from: https://caribbeandms.com/frances-middle-east-strategy-emmanuel-macron-palestine-israel-39178022]
The European Union, following the commitment of Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders, reaffirms its stance on the Gaza Strip, advocating for the implementation of the UN Charter and supporting the transition of the Gaza Strip into the Palestinian Authority's control, without the involvement of Hamas. Macron's emphasis on international law and opposition to forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip echoes wider international concerns. Despite ongoing conflict, the focus remains on securing a peaceful and just solution for all parties involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
