The United Arab Emirates is set to lead the 164th session of the Arab League Council in Cairo, focusing on urgent developments in Palestine and Gaza. This meeting, starting September 1, 2025, aims to address stopping Israeli actions, advancing Palestinian state recognition, and planning Gaza’s reconstruction amid ongoing conflict.
UAE Steps Up as Chair in Key Talks
The UAE takes over the chairmanship from Mauritania for this ordinary session at the permanent representatives level. Held at the Arab League headquarters, it prepares for the foreign ministers’ gathering on September 5, 2025.
This role highlights the UAE’s growing influence in regional diplomacy. Officials from across Arab nations will gather to tackle shared challenges, with Palestine at the forefront.
The session comes at a critical time, as Gaza faces severe humanitarian needs after months of fighting. Arab leaders seek unified strategies to support Palestinians and push for peace.
Focus on Palestinian Cause and Gaza Aid
Discussions will center on the Palestinian issue, including efforts to gain more international recognition for a Palestinian state. Leaders plan to explore ways to halt what they call Israeli aggression in Gaza.
Economic and social support for Palestinians forms a big part of the agenda. This includes bolstering their resilience through political backing and financial aid.
Recent events, like the UAE’s condemnation of Israeli settlement expansions in late August 2025, add urgency. The league aims to protect Arab interests amid rising tensions.
Joint economic projects among Arab states will also be reviewed. These could strengthen ties and provide a buffer against regional instability.
Arab Plans for Gaza Reconstruction
Arab nations have rallied around a major reconstruction blueprint for Gaza, contrasting with other international proposals. A key plan, led by Egypt and endorsed at an emergency summit in March 2025, calls for a $53 billion investment to rebuild the strip by 2030.
This initiative includes creating infrastructure like a commercial harbor, airport, and tech hub. It rejects any displacement of Palestinians and focuses on returning control to the Palestinian Authority.
Here are the main phases of the Egyptian-led plan:
- Initial cleanup of debris and temporary governance by a committee for six months.
- Deployment of UN peacekeeping forces to ensure security.
- Long-term development with funding from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, emphasizing no role for Hamas in power.
The plan gained unanimous support from Arab leaders, aiming for stability and peace with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
| Phase | Key Actions | Estimated Cost (in billions) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Cleanup and Interim Management | Remove rubble, set up temporary authority | $10 | 2025-2026 |
| Phase 2: Infrastructure Building | Construct harbor, airport, tech facilities | $25 | 2026-2028 |
| Phase 3: Economic Integration | Boost jobs, integrate with Arab economies | $18 | 2028-2030 |
This table outlines the structured approach, with total costs reaching $53 billion.
Arab officials stress that reconstruction must happen without forcing Palestinians from their homes. They view it as essential for regional security.
Support from Qatar and Egypt in ceasefire mediations ties into these efforts. The league condemned Israeli plans to reoccupy Gaza fully during an extraordinary session in August 2025.
US Proposal Sparks Controversy
A separate US-backed plan, reported by the Washington Post on August 31, 2025, proposes a different path for Gaza. Called the Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trust (GREAT Trust), it envisions US administration of the enclave for at least a decade.
The proposal includes relocating Gaza’s population temporarily, either to camps inside or outside the territory, during rebuilding. It aims to transform Gaza into a tourist resort and manufacturing center.
Palestinians would receive $5,000 cash, rent subsidies for four years, and a year of food aid. Landowners get digital tokens for future property rights.
This idea aligns with comments from US President Donald Trump, who suggested the US “take over” Gaza in February 2025. However, it faces criticism for potentially displacing people and ignoring Palestinian self-rule.
The plan involves the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which coordinates aid with Israeli forces. Over 1,000 people died trying to access aid since GHF started in May 2025, mostly from shootings near sites.
Arab leaders reject this as ethnic cleansing, favoring their own reconstruction model instead.
Broader Regional and Global Impact
These talks could shape Middle East dynamics, especially with ongoing conflicts in nearby areas. Strengthening Arab unity might counter external influences and promote stability.
International partners, including the UN, watch closely. The UAE’s recent aid partnership with Cyprus in August 2025 delivered supplies to Gaza via a maritime corridor, showing practical steps.
Economic integration among Arab states could lead to new trade deals, benefiting the region. Analysts predict this session might produce resolutions for the UN Security Council on Palestinian statehood.
The contrast between Arab and US plans highlights differing visions for peace. While Arabs push for sovereignty, the US proposal focuses on redevelopment under outside control.
What Lies Ahead for Palestine
As the session unfolds, outcomes could influence global diplomacy on Palestine. With Gaza’s population enduring hardships, quick action on aid and rebuilding is vital.
Experts note that successful reconstruction needs broad agreement, including from Israel and major powers. The Arab League’s push for recognition of Palestine has gained traction, with more countries supporting it in 2025.
This meeting builds on past efforts, like the league’s urgent talks three weeks ago on Israeli actions. It underscores the need for a lasting solution to the crisis.
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