Arab leaders gathered in Cairo are expected to back a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial suggestion of depopulating Gaza and transforming it into a beach destination. The summit, hosted by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, will include key regional players like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose support is crucial for any postwar strategy.
Israel has embraced an alternative U.S. proposal for the ceasefire and the release of hostages taken in a recent Hamas attack. The country has restricted the entry of essential supplies into Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting the new terms, sparking criticism from human rights groups.
The new plan involves Hamas releasing half of its remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and negotiations for a lasting truce. Egypt has put forward a postwar plan that includes relocating Palestinians to safe areas within Gaza while the cities are rebuilt, with Hamas relinquishing power to an interim administration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported Trump's suggestion of resettling Palestinians in other countries, a proposal that was met with widespread rejection. Trump had proposed Egypt and Jordan as potential destinations for Palestinian refugees, but both countries have firmly opposed the idea.
Meanwhile, Jordan has offered medical treatment to Palestinian children, with the first group leaving Gaza for Jordan on Tuesday. The war, triggered by Hamas' attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza, with thousands displaced and infrastructure severely damaged.
The conflict has claimed the lives of thousands, including civilians, and left many more injured and displaced. The region remains tense as leaders navigate complex postwar challenges and seek to establish a sustainable peace agreement.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's war coverage.
