Gaza Reconstruction Could Launch the Next Phase of the Abraham Accords - Faith & Freedom News

Dan Feferman, an accomplished author, speaker, and researcher specializing in Israel, Judaism, Middle East politics, military affairs, and foreign relations, presents a compelling perspective in his latest opinion piece for The Jerusalem Post.

Feferman argues that as Gaza begins to recover from the recent devastating conflict, we are witnessing the emergence of a remarkable diplomatic opportunity. He suggests that the Abraham Accords—groundbreaking agreements that fundamentally altered diplomatic relationships across the Middle East—could serve as a framework for both Gaza’s reconstruction and the expansion of peaceful relations between Arab nations and Israel.

According to Feferman, this pivotal moment brings together several favorable conditions: significant shifts in regional power dynamics, transitions in political leadership, and practical necessities that together create an environment conducive to unprecedented regional stability and cooperation.

Gaza and the Abraham Accords: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Few events in modern history seem as disconnected yet as intrinsically linked as the Abraham Accords and the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The accords, spearheaded by the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Saudi-backed efforts, represent a vision for a moderate, forward-thinking Middle East.

In contrast, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—backed by Iran, Syria, and Qatar—are leading a violent resistance against that vision. The October 7 attack was, in part, an attempt to derail the accords. Ironically, its aftermath now presents a chance to accelerate their expansion.

The question remains: Do regional leaders have the foresight and political will to push forward with an Abraham Accords 2.0?

Trump’s Bold Gaza Plan: A Catalyst for Change?

In late January, former U.S. President Donald Trump shocked the world by unveiling a controversial plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. His proposal—centered on removing Hamas, a U.S. takeover, and transforming Gaza into a Mediterranean riviera—sent shockwaves through the region. While many Arab leaders swiftly rejected the idea, it forced them to craft their own alternatives, breaking years of diplomatic inertia.

Since then, Egypt has proposed a $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza, focusing on phased reconstruction, infrastructure development, and security oversight—crucially, without Hamas. This plan, if properly executed, could serve as the foundation for an expanded Abraham Accords initiative.

Arab World at a Crossroads

For decades, Arab states supported the Palestinian cause while quietly acknowledging Israel’s economic and security importance. The Abraham Accords signaled a shift in that thinking—one that prioritized national interests over ideological battles. Now, with Hamas weakened, Hezbollah struggling, and Iran facing internal challenges, the balance of power is tilting in favor of the moderate Arab bloc.

However, challenges remain. Many Arab states insist that normalization with Israel cannot proceed without a political horizon for Palestinian statehood. Yet, as history has shown, Palestinian leadership—divided between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority—has been its own worst enemy. To move forward, the region’s moderates must acknowledge that a Palestinian state can only emerge through governance reform, deradicalization, and economic investment—not through continued conflict.

The Keys to Success

For the Abraham Accords to expand in tandem with Gaza’s reconstruction, several key conditions must be met:

First, Hamas must be fully disarmed and removed from governance. Any reconstruction effort that allows Hamas to retain power will only lead to another war. Arab states, the U.S., and Israel must ensure that extremist groups are permanently sidelined.

Second, the Arab world must publicly condemn Hamas and its role in the October 7 attack. This would signal a decisive break from past policies that tolerated radicalism and failed to hold Palestinian leadership accountable.

Third, Saudi Arabia should lead the charge for regional normalization. A Saudi-Israeli normalization deal, backed by the Arab League, would open doors for other nations—including Lebanon and Syria—to join future agreements.

Fourth, the U.S. must enforce clear red lines on Hamas. Washington must ensure that its allies remain committed to keeping Hamas out of Gaza’s future while leveraging economic incentives for compliance.

Finally, Israel must show flexibility on long-term Palestinian governance. While security concerns remain paramount, Israel could agree to phased autonomy for Gaza and the West Bank, contingent on meaningful reforms.

A Perfect Storm for Change

With Iran weakened, Hamas battered, Hezbollah on the ropes, and a potential Trump return to the White House, a historic opportunity has emerged. By tying Gaza’s reconstruction to the Abraham Accords, regional leaders can transform a crisis into a turning point for Middle East diplomacy. The alternative—allowing extremists to fill the vacuum—would only perpetuate the cycle of violence.

The time to act is now.