Arab Post-War Plan for Gaza: Dahlan Alleges Secret Discussions Among Leaders
Watan-The American newspaper “New York Times” said in a report that with the escalation of the war in Gaza and the increase in civilian death rates, only a few Arab leaders have openly expressed their vision for the future of the devastated sector, fearing being accused of supporting Israeli crimes, according to its claim.
The report of the American newspaper, translated by (Watan), continued: But one influential Palestinian leader in exile provided in an interview with “New York Times” a general view of the types of post-war plans in Gaza, which he said Arab leaders are currently discussing secretly.
Dahlan alleges the existence of an Arab plan for post-war Gaza being discussed by leaders secretly
According to the report, Mohammed Dahlan, the Palestinian leader expelled from Fatah movement and currently residing in the UAE where he serves as an advisor to the Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed, outlined the broad lines of the plan being discussed secretly by Arab leaders regarding post-war Gaza.
Dahlan claimed, as reported by “NY Times” in the exclusive interview, that according to this plan, Israel and Hamas would hand over power to a new and independent Palestinian leader who can rebuild Gaza under the protection of an Arab peacekeeping force.
The former Fatah leader, who also has close relations with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, said that while these plans face significant challenges, leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are open to supporting operations that are part of efforts to establish a Palestinian state.
The newspaper also mentioned the recent meeting of six Arab governments in Saudi Arabia last week to discuss the future of Gaza and the need for a ceasefire, according to Palestinian officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
According to the alleged plan outlined by Mohammed Dahlan and discussed secretly by Arab leaders according to the report, a new Palestinian leader will assume responsibility for Gaza and parts of the West Bank currently occupied by Israel and managed by the Palestinian Authority.
Dahlan said that this leader will replace Mahmoud Abbas, the 88-year-old President of the Palestinian Authority, who will retain an honorary role.
“No Abbas… No Hamas.”
“No Abbas… No Hamas,” continued the Palestinian leader residing in Abu Dhabi after fleeing Gaza, who has been at odds with Mahmoud Abbas for a long time. He said, “No Abbas, no Hamas. New responsible individuals in the Palestinian Authority.”
The new Palestinian administration, according to the plan claimed by Dahlan to be under discussion among Arab leaders, could invite friendly Arab countries to send forces to assist in maintaining order in Gaza.
He clarified: “Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia would be willing to assist and fund reconstruction if the occupation agrees to establish a Palestinian state.”
Mohammed Dahlan reiterated his claims about this plan by saying: “If there is a two-state solution, the answer is definitely yes.” He added that “major Arab countries are very keen on settling this conflict; not just the war, but the entire conflict.”
The New York Times noted that Cairo and Riyadh declined to comment on the alleged Arab plan discussed by Mohammed Dahlan.
The UAE did not directly comment on this plan, but its statement mentioned that “our contribution to any effort to rebuild Gaza will be conditional on commitments towards achieving a two-state solution.”
The American newspaper also quoted the controversial Emirati academic Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, who is also close to Mohammed bin Zayed, commenting on the plan revealed by Dahlan, saying it “aligns with what we know as the ‘day after’ the war,” referring to what he had heard about discussions among Arab leaders.
According to the report, the Arab plan faces significant obstacles. The Palestinian Authority and Abbas have rejected any changes to the organization.
Netanyahu pledged to maintain “full security control” over Gaza and the West Bank, rejecting the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state. The political base of the extremist Israeli Prime Minister also pushes for the resettlement of settlers within Gaza once the war is over.
The New York Times also mentioned that any proposal would require the approval of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.
Mohammed Dahlan and Mahmoud Abbas
The newspaper pointed out in its report that Dahlan was the national security advisor to Mahmoud Abbas when Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, which made him unpopular among many Palestinians. His relationship with Abbas deteriorated amid accusations from the President of the Authority that he was attempting to take his place.
In 2016, Dahlan was convicted in absentia of corruption charges after fleeing to the UAE, charges he denies.
In the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed Dahlan built close relationships with members of the ruling family and initially reconnected with Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, his former counterpart in the UAE security establishment.
He also maintained contact with Sheikh Hazza’s brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who became the President in 2022. Since then, Dahlan has become one of his key advisors.
Maen Rabani, an expert on Palestinian politics, told the New York Times about Dahlan: “He is the Emirati president’s man in Palestinian politics.”
The report continued: “There are still critics of Dahlan who say he employed oppressive methods and corruption in Gaza, and that he had a penchant for self-promotion. But analysts say he represents a significant force in Palestinian politics, partly due to his help in directing Emirati funds to Gaza.”
Dahlan: I’m Trying to Convince Hamas to Relinquish Power
According to what was reported by the New York Times, Mohammed Dahlan said he is working on convincing Hamas to relinquish power for a new Palestinian leadership, hinting at the possibility of persuading the Palestinian resistance movement to give up leadership as part of a broader package leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
For years, Dahlan has been widely seen as a potential successor to Mahmoud Abbas. However, he stated in the interview that he is not interested in assuming an official leadership role.
It is unlikely that Dahlan is in a hurry to leave the UAE to lead the complex reconstruction process. However, he has spent a considerable amount of time and money maintaining networks in the West Bank and Gaza, indicating long-term political aspirations.
Like other senior Palestinian politicians, Dahlan refrained from condemning the attack led by Hamas. However, he criticized Hamas leaders, alleging that they are making the people of Gaza pay the price for the actions of the movement, according to his claim.
