Arab Leaders Meet in Riyadh to Discuss Support for Palestinian Cause and Gaza Developments

Arab leaders gathered in Riyadh on Friday for an informal meeting to discuss joint efforts in supporting the Palestinian cause and addressing developments in Gaza. The meeting, organized by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, included representatives from Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan, according to the Saudi state news agency SPA.

One of the primary issues under discussion was finding an alternative to US President Donald Trump's controversial plan to redevelop Gaza into an international beach resort. Trump's proposal also called for Egypt and Jordan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, a suggestion both countries have rejected due to national security concerns. However, Arab states have yet to make significant progress on a counter-plan.

SPA's report did not mention Trump's proposal directly, but sources close to the talks said the leaders discussed a potential proposal from Egypt, which could involve up to $20 billion in funding from Gulf and Arab states over a span of three years. While the proposal's details have not been officially confirmed, it indicates growing support for revitalizing Gaza without resorting to resettlement.

The Arab leaders also expressed their support for an emergency Arab League meeting to be held in Cairo on March 4, with Egypt playing a central role in facilitating these discussions.

Although several Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have emphasized the need for a peace process that envisions a two-state solution, the situation remains complex. The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has been more open to diplomatic engagement, but the displacement of Gaza Palestinians remains off the table.