Cairo Declaration

March 6, 2025

The Cairo Declaration emerged from an Emergency Summit of the Arab League held on March 4, 2025. This summit adopted a $53-billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, marking collective Arab response to the humanitarian crisis following the Israel-Hamas conflict. The plan aims to establish a comprehensive strategy for Gaza’s future, contingent on the full implementation of a ceasefire agreement.

Historical Context and Previous Proposals

The Cairo Declaration builds on previous Arab League initiatives, particularly the Bahrain Declaration from May 2024. It reflects a consistent Arab position advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, first articulated in the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002. This historical context is crucial for understanding the current diplomatic landscape.

Key Elements of the Cairo Declaration

The Declaration proposes the establishment of a Gaza administration committee composed of qualified Gazans. It pledges financial and political support for reconstruction efforts and emphasises the need for a trust fund to facilitate recovery. Additionally, it calls for the presence of United Nations peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank to ensure stability.

Political Dynamics and Palestinian Governance

The Cairo Declaration marks the importance of unifying Palestinian factions under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). However, it notably does not mention Hamas, potentially allowing the group to retain influence during the transitional period. The proposed interim administration aims to restore governance and prepare for future elections, a critical step given the historical context of Palestinian political divisions.

International Reactions and Challenges

Both Israel and the United States have expressed criticism of the Cairo Declaration. The lack of explicit mention of Hamas has raised concerns, particularly regarding future governance in Gaza. The Declaration’s success hinges on cooperation from Israel, which has consistently opposed the PLO’s involvement in Gaza governance.

Future Prospects and the Road Ahead

The sequence of events outlined in the Declaration suggests a pathway to peace – cessation of Israeli military actions, implementation of the reconstruction plan, and resolution of the Palestinian statehood question. However, the prospects for this vision remain uncertain, given the entrenched positions of both Israel and Hamas.

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