DayofPal—The United Arab Emirates has drafted plans to construct a “temporary housing complex” for Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled southern Gaza Strip, near the Rafah border with Egypt, according to a Reuters report.
The proposal, which remains in preliminary stages, has drawn attention for its potential to deepen divisions in Gaza and strain regional relations.
Egypt has voiced opposition to any measures that could formalize Gaza’s partition, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia remain hesitant to provide reconstruction funds under the shadow of Israeli occupation.
The UAE is reportedly coordinating its plans with the US and Israel, signaling an emerging role as a preferred partner in Gaza’s redevelopment, alongside discussions about potential investments in Gaza’s offshore gas deposits.
The plan comes amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which has seen repeated Israeli strikes and ongoing Israeli attacks.
The enclave remains divided, with Israel controlling roughly 53%. The move has sparked criticism from Palestinians and regional powers, who warn that temporary housing under Israeli supervision risks normalizing occupation and undermining Gaza’s sovereignty.
The US political appointees close to Jared Kushner have been involved in planning temporary housing units in Israeli-controlled areas, although Kushner has publicly distanced himself from the idea of dividing Gaza into “free” and “Hamas” zones.
The UAE has denied reports that it intends to take over civilian administration in Gaza, highlighting the sensitive and complex nature of reconstruction and political involvement in the region.
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