Washington, D.C. – The United Arab Emirates is lobbying the Trump administration to reject an Arab League-endorsed plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, aligning with Israel’s interests, sources say. Reports on March 19, 2025, highlight a push that could alter the region’s post-war path.
The Gaza Plan Conflict
Egypt proposed a $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing its residents. The Arab League endorsed this on March 4, 2025, aiming to restore the enclave under Palestinian Authority governance. Jordan and Egypt would train security forces, possibly with UN peacekeepers involved. However, the United States and Israel oppose it, favoring a different approach.
President Donald Trump has suggested relocating Gaza’s population since late 2024. His “Middle East Riviera” idea envisions U.S. control, with Gazans moved to countries like Sudan or Somalia. Egypt and Jordan rejected this, but the UAE supports it, according to Middle East Eye on March 17, 2025.
The UAE’s ambassador, Yousef al-Otaiba, has met with Trump’s team and lawmakers. U.S. and Egyptian officials told Middle East Eye that he seeks to kill Egypt’s plan. Publicly silent within the Arab League, the UAE acts privately to shape Gaza’s future.
Why the UAE Pushes Trump
The UAE opposes Hamas, which controls Gaza, due to its Muslim Brotherhood ties. Abu Dhabi views Hamas as a threat to regional stability. The UAE dislikes Egypt’s plan for potentially preserving Hamas’ role.
The UAE pressures Egypt through U.S. aid. Washington gives Cairo $1.3 billion yearly, with $300 million tied to human rights. The UAE urges Trump to use this leverage, pushing Egypt to accept displacement. Egypt relies heavily on this funding, making it a pressure point.
Economic benefits also motivate the UAE. A redeveloped Gaza under U.S. and Israeli oversight could open trade opportunities. Strengthening ties with Trump’s administration boosts Abu Dhabi’s position against regional rivals.
Alignment With Israel
The UAE and Israel bonded via the 2020 Abraham Accords, brokered by Trump. Both see Iran and Hamas as shared threats. Military and intelligence ties have grown since, supported by U.S. backing, per a State Department brief from 2024.
Israel aims to eliminate Hamas and reduce Gaza’s population for security. The UAE’s lobbying supports this, favoring displacement over rebuilding. BBC reported on March 5, 2025, that Israel rejects any plan keeping Hamas active. The UAE’s stance mirrors this position.
Their goals converge on Trump’s relocation concept. A commercial Gaza fits their economic and security aims. This explains the UAE’s intense focus on swaying the Trump administration, sources indicate.
Regional Pushback
Egypt resists this pressure. Cairo officials oppose displacement, despite U.S. aid threats. Egypt backs Mohammed Dahlan, a Fatah leader, for Gaza, but not at the cost of uprooting Palestinians.
Hamas has warned the UAE. On March 17, 2025, leader Osama Hamdan spoke in Qatar, saying anyone replacing Israel in Gaza would face hostility. Aired on Al Jazeera, his remarks signal tension with Abu Dhabi over its anti-Hamas moves.
Other Arab states hesitate. Jordan and Lebanon fear refugee flows from displacement. The UAE risks isolation in the Arab League, despite public unity, per a Carnegie Endowment brief from March 2025.
What This Means
The UAE’s lobbying might influence Trump soon. His administration shows little favor for the Arab League plan. Success could weaken Hamas, aligning with UAE and Israeli goals. Risks remain significant. Pressuring Egypt might strain Arab relations if Cairo holds firm. Displacement could spark unrest, destabilizing the region.
Trump’s stance adds uncertainty. His bold ideas favor the UAE, but Israel’s voice might dominate. Talks with Sudan and Somalia persist, AP reported on March 17, 2025, leaving his final position unclear.
Looking Ahead
The UAE’s lobbying targets Trump over Gaza’s future with clear intent. Its alignment with Israel reflects a shift in Middle East alliances, valuing security over Arab unity. As of March 19, 2025, this effort tests regional stability.
Trump’s decision will shape the outcome. Backing displacement strengthens the UAE and Israel. If Egypt and the Arab League prevail, Abu Dhabi faces setbacks. Gaza’s future rests on these Washington talks.
