Middle Eastern studies scholar Jennifer Loewenstein is available for interviews about the latest developments related to Gaza.
The Associated Press reports: “Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper said the proposal calls for establishing ‘secure areas’ within Gaza where Palestinians can live initially while Egyptian and international construction firms remove and rehabilitate the strip’s infrastructure. Egyptian officials have been discussing the plan with European diplomats as well as with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to two Egyptian officials and Arab and Western diplomats. …
“The proposal comes after an international uproar over Trump’s call for the removal of Gaza’s population of some 2 million Palestinians. Trump said the United States would take over the Gaza Strip and rebuild it into a ‘Riviera of the Middle East,’ though Palestinians would not be allowed back. Palestinians have widely said they will not leave their homeland, while Egypt, Jordan – backed by Saudi Arabia – have refused Trump’s calls for them to take in Gaza’s population. …
“Egypt’s Al-Ahram newspaper said the proposal is designed to ‘refute American President Trump’s logic’ and counter ‘any other visions or plans that aim to change the geographic and demographic structure of Gaza Strip.’ Gaza is nearing a critical juncture with the first phase of a ceasefire due to run out in early March.”