Gulf states threaten to withdraw from US Gaza plan over Hamas’s refusal to disarm

Israel Hayom reports that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain are considering withdrawing their support for the US plan for Gaza.

The decision was reportedly prompted by the mediators’ silence regarding Hamas’s refusal to disarm.

Citing Arab and American diplomatic sources, the newspaper wrote that the three countries, described as the “moderate Sunni axis,” have sent messages to this effect to the White House.

According to the report, the same messages were also delivered to US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and former President Donald Trump’s advisor Jared Kushner, who are considered the architects of the Gaza plan.

Messages highlighted Hamas’s actions

Diplomatic sources stated that the messages detailed Hamas’s actions since the ceasefire began.

These actions included “the systematic targeting of rival groups, armed demonstrations in the streets, extortion incidents, and statements by senior officials categorically rejecting disarmament.”

‘Warning’ from Saudi Arabia to Washington

In its latest message to Washington, Saudi Arabia stated that it would withdraw from the process if the US fails to provide a decisive response and if mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey do not change their stance toward Hamas.

According to the report, Saudi officials also clearly stated that they have reduced their engagement with the plan prepared during the Trump administration and that their participation in the reconstruction conference planned for next month in Cairo is unlikely.

“Reconstruction of Gaza is not possible while Hamas exists”

Israel Hayom recalled that its previous publications featured assessments from Saudi officials stating, “There will be no meaningful engagement in Gaza as long as Hamas possesses even a single Kalashnikov.”

A Saudi diplomatic source confirmed that such messages were conveyed to the Americans. The source stated that the Riyadh administration’s position is clear, saying, “As long as Hamas remains in the equation, there is no viable solution to the war in Gaza or the future of the Palestinians.”

The same source continued: “It is obvious that Hamas will sabotage any Palestinian, Arab, or international force trying to restore order in Gaza. The reconstruction of Gaza is not possible unless Hamas’s influence is eliminated.”

UAE holds a similar position

According to the report, the UAE conveyed a similar message to Washington. The Abu Dhabi administration stated that it would continue reconstruction efforts in southern Gaza, where Israel maintains military control.

However, the UAE noted that it would not participate in efforts in areas where Hamas is not disarmed and where international forces have not fully assumed civil and security administration.

Leaders did not attend the Sharm el-Sheikh summit

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed did not attend the summit held in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The two leaders cited Qatar’s renewed prominence at the summit, hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, as the reason for their decision, describing Qatar as a “supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.”