The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is witnessing a dramatic shift as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas landed in Moscow for a high-stakes meeting with Vladimir Putin, while this visit occurred simultaneously with US President Donald Trump signing the Gaza Peace Board proposal in Davos. The timing is seen as a direct challenge to Washington's unilateral approach to the Gaza crisis.
The Kremlin Alliance: Sidelined by Trump
Mahmoud Abbas, a long-standing rival of Donald Trump's policies, has been conspicuously excluded from the newly formed Gaza Peace Board and its Development Committee, while the US administration has not only sidelined him from the peace process but has also refused to recognize his official status. By seeking refuge in Moscow, Abbas is looking for a powerful ally to counter the American-led initiative that many in the region view with suspicion.
Putin's Billion-Dollar Gambit
According to the TASS news agency, President Putin expressed a keen interest. In Russia joining the Gaza Peace Board during his discussions with Abbas. However, this interest comes with a significant price tag, while putin stated that if the United States unfreezes Russian assets currently under sanction, Moscow is prepared to contribute $1 billion toward Gaza's reconstruction. This move effectively links the Middle East peace process with the ongoing economic warfare between Russia and the West.
Inside Trump's Vision for Gaza
Donald Trump, acting as the chairman of the Gaza Peace Board, has laid out an ambitious plan for the enclave's future, while the board's primary objectives are twofold: maintaining a permanent ceasefire and spearheading massive infrastructure development. The plan involves a $1 billion initial fund dedicated to transforming the war-torn territory into a modern hub.
Reconstruction and Infrastructure
Reports from the Anadolu Agency suggest that the reconstruction plan includes the construction of 200,000 residential buildings, while to ensure long-term safety, a network of bunkers will be integrated into the new urban landscape. The proposal also features the development of state-of-the-art hospitals, community centers, and a strategic seaport intended to boost Gaza's economic independence and global trade connectivity.
A Divided Peace Process
Despite the grand promises of development, the exclusion of key Palestinian figures like Abbas has created a rift. Many local organizations in Gaza are protesting the inclusion of Benjamin. Netanyahu in the Peace Board while their own leaders are ignored. Putin’s meeting with Abbas sends a clear message to the White House: the 'real game' in Gaza is far from over, and Russia intends to be a decisive player in the region's future.