The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly urging the United States to dismiss Egypt’s post-war Gaza proposal, which has gained the backing of the Arab League. This move highlights growing tensions between Abu Dhabi and Cairo over the future of the Palestinian territory.
In early March, Egypt introduced a framework for Gaza’s political transition, reconstruction, and security following Israel’s military campaign. The proposal calls for governance under the Palestinian Authority (PA), a security force trained by Jordan and Egypt, and the possible deployment of UN peacekeepers in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Egypt’s plan directly counters former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial initiative, which includes U.S. oversight of Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians. The Arab League swiftly endorsed Cairo’s approach, gaining support from several European nations. However, both Washington and Israel rejected the proposal.
Now, reports indicate that the UAE is intensifying efforts to sway U.S. lawmakers and senior officials within Trump’s circle against the Egyptian plan. According to sources cited by Middle East Eye, Emirati Ambassador to the U.S. Yousef al-Otaiba has been actively lobbying for Cairo to accept the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.
The UAE argues that Egypt’s strategy is ineffective and grants excessive influence to Hamas. Emirati diplomats have reportedly urged Washington to tie continued military aid to Egypt—currently $1.3 billion annually—to Cairo’s withdrawal of its proposal and alignment with the Trump administration’s vision for Gaza.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, noted that “the UAE could not openly oppose the Arab League plan when it was approved, but they are working behind the scenes to undermine it.”
Amid these diplomatic maneuvers, the Trump administration has signaled that financial leverage could be used to pressure Egypt and Jordan—both recipients of U.S. aid—into accepting displaced Palestinians. Recent reports suggest Washington has already warned Cairo of potential aid cuts if it does not alter its stance on Gaza’s future.
[Daily Nile]
