The Middle East has long been a hotbed of conflict and instability, but recent developments have further complicated it. The Israel-Palestine conflict has been going on for years, but recently it has taken a new turn. The plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump, which called for evacuating the Gaza Strip and developing a "riviera" there, caused concern not only in the Palestinian community but throughout the Arab world. The proposal was viewed with criticism by the international community and was completely rejected by the Palestinians. The entire development makes it clear that the Middle East is currently facing a leadership crisis and a balanced solution is urgently needed.

Trump's proposal and its response

• Donald Trump, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made a statement that Palestinians should not live amid the rubble of war in Gaza and they should move away from there and seek a better life. The basic idea behind the proposal was to evacuate Gaza for reconstruction and develop it as a tourist destination. However, the suggestion proved controversial on several fronts.
• Netanyahu supported the proposal, saying that resettlement of Gazans and preparations for a post-Hamas situation were important. This further strengthened his right-wing supporters' base in Israel. Some experts described it as a "prize" after a major conflict. Israel further tightened its ongoing ceasefire with Hamas, saying that no second phase would be started until all hostages were released, which also included the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
• However, Israeli intelligence agencies were cautious on the issue, especially in view of possible reactions after Ramadan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that the US proposal was to encourage economic and technical assistance to countries that could help rebuild Gaza. He also said that Gazans could be temporarily rehabilitated, but the US had no intention of deploying troops in Gaza.

Response and unity of Arab countries

Despite this pressure from the US, Egypt and Jordan completely rejected the proposal. They were of the clear opinion that Palestinians have the right to live on their land and any kind of forced migration policy will not be accepted. When the King of Jordan talked about calling 2,000 sick Palestinian children to his country for treatment, he also faced criticism within the Arab world.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who recently hosted the US-Russia talks, called seven Arab leaders to Riyadh and stressed on unity among Arab countries. The main objective of this meeting was to ensure that the role of Arab countries in the Israel-Palestine dispute remains effective and no decision is taken against Palestinian interests.

Egypt's reconstruction plan

To resolve this dispute, mediators from Egypt and Qatar presented a new plan. This plan outlines the reconstruction of Gaza in three phases and its estimated cost is stated to be $53 billion.

1.   First phase (6 months): During this time, landmines will be removed and debris will be cleared in Gaza. Arrangements will be made for safe accommodation of Palestinians in temporary camps. Also, Egypt will organize an international financial conference for this reconstruction.

2.   Second phase (three years): In this phase, the focus will be on the reconstruction of public infrastructure, housing and means of livelihood.

3.   Third phase (by 2030): In this, industrial development and infrastructure will be built to connect Gaza and the West Bank. Also, the Palestinian administration will be given control over both areas.

This plan also proposed that a new administrative system should be established in Gaza, where Hamas will have to give up power and hand over the governance to an independent technical team. A trust fund will be created under the World Bank for financial assistance and the UN Security Council will consider deploying peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank.

Disagreement between the US and Israel

Although the proposal received support from Arab countries, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, the US and Israel rejected it. The US reiterated that Gaza is not habitable and Palestinians should be resettled elsewhere. Israel criticised the proposal, saying it relied on the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), which is not acceptable to it.

Meanwhile, the US has reportedly started talks with Hamas, but Trump's warning to hand over Israeli hostages further escalated tensions.

Prospects of a solution and the role of leadership

The history of the Israel-Palestine conflict is old and complex. Israel is dependent on the US for its security, while the Palestinians are fighting for their historical rights and land. Given the growing discontent in Arab countries, if Palestinians are forcibly displaced, it could pose a major threat to regional stability.

Some key points need to be addressed to resolve this conflict:

1.   Maintaining the ceasefire: The ceasefire is the only way to resolve the conflict. Talks should be taken forward so that the fighting does not start again.

2.   Release of hostages and prisoners: Both sides will have to make concessions so that peace talks can move forward.

3.   Humanitarian aid: Palestinians should be guaranteed relief and rehabilitation.

4.   Moving towards self-rule: An effective and democratic administration needs to be established in Gaza and the West Bank.

Conclusion

The Middle East is currently going through a leadership crisis. Trump is trying to break this conflict cycle, but his proposals are further increasing tensions in the region. If lasting peace is to be established, the only option is a two-nation solution, in which Israel and Palestine can live together in peace and security. For this, both sides will have to respect each other's interests and concerns, otherwise this conflict can continue indefinitely.