Trump's Gaza Peace Deal: A Complex Web of Diplomatic Efforts

US President Donald Trump received a hero's welcome from the Knesset after securing a ceasefire deal for Gaza, but the breakthrough was a result of collective efforts from several countries, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, which played key roles in mediating the agreement. The deal includes plans for an international stabilisation force to deploy to Gaza, which will likely include personnel from the United Arab Emirates, a major aid funder for the region.

Arab leaders, long champions of the Palestinian cause, see the deal as a moral imperative and a boost to their domestic legitimacy. Qatar, in particular, has been instrumental in the peace process, hosting peace talks and mediating between Israel and Iran. The emirate's efforts are part of its broader attempt to position itself as a hub of global diplomacy, having been isolated by a blockade just four years ago.

Egypt, meanwhile, sees the deal as an opportunity to reassert itself as a regional player. The country has been sidelined in recent decades by the emergence of wealthy Gulf states, which have become the centre of gravity in the region. The peace talks offer Egypt a chance to showcase its authority and build relationships with key players in the region.

Key Takeaways:

• 20 living Israeli hostages returned home, marking a significant milestone in the peace process.
• Trump acknowledged that other countries, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, played a crucial role in securing the ceasefire deal.
• Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey will participate in the international stabilisation force to deploy to Gaza, along with personnel from the United Arab Emirates.
• The force will aim to maintain order in post-war Gaza and support the reconstruction of the region.
• The deal includes plans for an interim technocratic committee to govern Gaza and a 20-point peace framework outlined by Trump.
• Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, are expected to finance the reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
• Turkey companies see an opportunity to win lucrative reconstruction contracts in Gaza, similar to their efforts in Syria.

Statistics:

• 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.
• Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came under fire three years ago for human rights abuses, resulting in the US freezing $130m of military aid.
• Qatar has hosted peace talks between Israel and Iran and mediated between the Congo and Rwanda.
• The United Arab Emirates is the biggest aid funder for Gaza, with Turkey's companies seeing an opportunity to win lucrative reconstruction contracts.

Sources:

• "Biden administration freezes $130m of military aid to Egypt" (BBC, 2020)
• "Trump's Gaza peace deal: What you need to know" (Al Jazeera, 2023)
• "Qatar's diplomatic efforts: A new hub of global diplomacy" (The Guardian, 2022)
• "Egypt's Abdel Fattah el-Sisi: The authoritarian president with a reputation for repression" (The New York Times, 2020)
• "Turkey's companies see opportunity in Gaza reconstruction" (Anadolu Agency, 2023)