The United States and Israel have intensified their actions against the people of Gaza, leading to heightened concerns about ethnic cleansing in the region. Following a brief lull in hostilities, Israel has resumed its full-scale assault on Gaza's civilian population, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. After weeks of lower-intensity operations, Gazans had begun to return to their devastated homes, only to find their lives shattered once again as the military operations escalated. The renewed violence raises alarm about the broader implications for the region, as the U.S. and Israeli strategies appear to support a long-term plan for perpetual conflict across Gaza and neighboring territories.
In the wake of the violence, Egypt has taken the lead among Arab nations to propose a reconstruction plan for Gaza that aims to rebuild the area without displacing its residents. However, the situation remains precarious, as the region has been effectively rendered uninhabitable due to years of blockade and recent military actions. The plan, which emerged during a period referred to as a ceasefire, has not received the support it needs from the U.S. or Israel, both of whom seem to favor strategies that would further displace Palestinians.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the Israeli government has made it clear that they view the remaining hostages in Gaza as mere bargaining chips in their military strategy. This perspective has drawn criticism from various quarters, as it underscores the dehumanization of those caught in the conflict. The United States, under the Trump administration, has provided unwavering support for Israel, which many Arab states perceive as a significant obstacle to peace. The Arab unity that is essential for a successful resolution is being tested, particularly as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) diverges from the consensus.
In February 2025, discussions about Gaza's future intensified, coinciding with President Trump's controversial statement expressing a desire to "own" Gaza and transform it into a tourist destination devoid of Palestinians. This vision sparked outrage across the Arab world, yet the UAE's Ambassador to the U.S., Yousef Al Otaiba, stated he saw no alternative to Trump's plan, indicating a significant shift in the UAE’s stance. While the Arab League initially supported Egypt's reconstruction plan, the UAE has actively lobbied against it, seeking to undermine Egypt's efforts.
Moreover, Trump has threatened to cut military aid to Egypt, a critical lifeline that supports its economy and stability. Egypt has consistently maintained its refusal to displace Palestinians from Gaza, firmly denying reports that it planned to relocate half a million people into the northern Sinai. The steadfastness of Egypt in this matter highlights its commitment to Palestinian rights, even as it faces significant pressure from the U.S.
The UAE's ambitions in Palestine are evident as they seek to establish a foothold in a future Palestinian entity. Their preference for the Fatah party, particularly exiled leader Mohammed Dahlan, reflects a desire for influence in the region. Dahlan, who has a controversial past, is seen by the UAE as a potential leader who could align with their interests while also having the backing of both Israel and the U.S. This desire for influence places the UAE in direct competition with Egypt, which has its own historical ties and relationships in the region.
As the violence in Gaza continues, Egypt and Jordan are scrambling to respond to the unfolding crisis. Egypt has proposed a ceasefire plan that would see Hamas release Israeli hostages in exchange for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. This proposal aligns with Egypt's reconstruction efforts and aims to stabilize the region. However, the U.S. response has been tepid, reflecting a lack of urgency in pushing Israel to accept the plan.
Jordan, facing its challenges, has also been reportedly exploring options to address the crisis, including a proposal to accept a limited number of Hamas members in exchange for disarmament of Palestinian armed groups. Although the Jordanian foreign minister denied such a proposal, the reluctance to dismiss it outright suggests that Jordan is considering all possibilities to avert a humanitarian disaster.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the potential for mass displacement looms large. The steadfastness of the Palestinian people is commendable, but the realities of war, starvation, and violence present a dire outlook. The international community's response, particularly from the U.S., remains critical in determining the future of Gaza and its people.
In a related development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced on March 28, 2025, that it would hear a case brought by Sudan against the UAE, accusing it of violating the Genocide Convention by arming paramilitary forces involved in the ongoing civil conflict. Sudan claims that the UAE has supported the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been implicated in ethnic-based violence against the Masalit tribe in West Darfur. This legal action underscores the broader regional implications of the UAE's military engagements and its role in conflicts across the Middle East and North Africa.
Sudan's complaint, which includes requests for emergency measures to prevent further genocidal acts, will be addressed by the ICJ on April 10, 2025. The UAE has dismissed Sudan's claims as lacking legal merit, but the situation highlights the growing scrutiny of its actions on the international stage.
The unfolding events in Gaza and the legal proceedings against the UAE in the ICJ reflect a complex web of geopolitical interests and humanitarian crises. As the world watches, the urgency for a diplomatic resolution and humanitarian aid becomes ever more pressing, as millions of lives hang in the balance.
