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The Language of the Arab Initiative for Gaza's Reconstruction

(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Prof. Kobi Michael and Dr. Yoel Guzansky - An analysis of the official Arab League statement on March 4 in Cairo regarding the Arab initiative for Gaza's reconstruction reveals a highly problematic declaration. While Egyptian officials have made it clear that Hamas would not be permitted to play a role in Gaza's reconstruction or its governance, the final statement reveals that this stipulation regarding Hamas is entirely absent. The statement does not reference Hamas at all or the need for its disarmament. In the unofficial English translation, Israel is referred to merely as the "Israeli entity," whereas Palestine is consistently designated as the "State of Palestine." The declaration calls for the internationalization of the conflict, essentially reinstating the UN's central role. This would involve revitalizing UNRWA - an institution that perpetuates the Palestinian refugee status - and pursuing ongoing legal actions against Israel in international tribunals, accusing it of war crimes. At the same time, the declaration implicitly glorifies Hamas by exalting the resilience of the Palestinian people in Gaza against what is described as Israeli criminal aggression. It seems that neither the Egyptian initiative nor the Arab League summit will lead to any meaningful progress - let alone a positive outcome - unless a mechanism is established to dismantle Hamas as a governing and military entity in Gaza. The language of the statement underscores the Arab world's failure to internalize the fundamental shifts that have taken place since Oct. 7. The Cairo summit adheres to the lowest common denominator among Arab League members - vilifying Israel, branding it a war criminal, and portraying it as an oppressor of innocent Palestinians. The writers are senior researchers at INSS.
2025-03-13 00:00:00
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