Hamas welcomed the summit’s concluding statement, the so-called “Cairo Declaration,” confirming the meeting was a smokescreen rather than a serious effort to replace Hamas with a legitimate governing body. Tellingly, Hamas was absent from the summit but dictated its outcome from behind the scenes.
Then there’s the issue of funding. The plan envisions wealthy Gulf nations and international institutions footing the bill. However, apart from Qatar—Hamas’s longtime patron—Gulf states have little interest in funding another round of reconstruction without guarantees that their money won’t finance Hamas’s next war. The demilitarization of Gaza is the only credible assurance, yet it remains the least discussed issue.
Since the Hamas-led Second Intifada in 2000, Gulf states have poured billions into Gaza, only for Hamas to divert funds toward terrorism. Saudi Arabia and the UAE signaled their skepticism by sending only mid-level representatives to the summit—an intentional snub that underscored their unwillingness to invest in another futile cycle of destruction and rebuilding.
The international response further exposed the summit’s irrelevance. Following its conclusion, reports emerged that Trump’s special envoy, Adam Boehler, was directly negotiating with Hamas in Doha to secure the release of Israeli hostages. This signaled Washington’s frustration with Arab mediators—particularly Egypt and Qatar—who seem intent on keeping Hamas in power.
Trump’s dismissal of the summit’s conclusions was a devastating blow to the Arab League’s credibility. For decades, the organization has claimed a central role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yet, its refusal to take meaningful action has made it an obstacle to peace rather than a facilitator.
This fixation on vilifying Israel, rather than offering concrete solutions, is precisely why the Arab League’s summit failed. Instead of helping Gazans, Arab leaders used them as political pawns to attack Israel and the West.
Dalia Ziada Courtasy of Dalia Ziada The path forward is clear but requires political courage. Any serious reconstruction effort must begin with the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and the complete demilitarization of Gaza. If Arab states refuse to support this, alternative solutions—including temporary safe zones for displaced Gazans outside of Gaza—must be considered.
The Arab League had an opportunity to take meaningful action. Instead, it chose political theatre. Until Hamas is removed from power, every so-called “peace plan” will be nothing more than another chapter in Gaza’s endless cycle of destruction.
