Egyptian Journalist Emad Adeeb: There Will Be No Foreign Aid For Reconstruction In Gaza And Lebanon Unless Hamas And Hizbullah Surrender Their Weapons; Trump's Plan Is Absurd, But It Is The Only Plan On The Table Right Now

Egyptian journalist Emad Adeeb stated on Sky News Arabia TV (UAE) on February 26, 2025, that Hamas, with its weapons, is unacceptable and has become a burden on the Palestinian cause. He argued that if Hamas wants Egypt to block Trump’s plan to turn Gaza into a riviera, it must surrender its weapons. Adeeb suggested that, as "absurd" as it may seem, the relocation plan is the only one on the table, and Gaza will proceed with it unless Hamas changes its approach. He further emphasized that Egypt should not be expected to cover the costs of Hamas’ actions, stating that Hamas had “ordered the most expensive” dish for lunch at the Iranians' invitation, and thus, the Iranians should pay the bill.

Emad Adeeb: "Hamas with its weapons is unacceptable both internationally and by the Arabs. Let me be honest with you, Hamas has become a burden upon the Palestinian cause.

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"If Hamas insists on keeping its weapons, there will be no reconstruction in Gaza. If Hizbullah insists on keeping its weapons, there will be no reconstruction in Lebanon, and the displaced people will not return [to their homes]."

Interviewer: "Do you know what Hamas will say? We prefer our weapons."

Adeeb: "If it prefers its weapons, it will have to face the 2.1 million people [of Gaza], who are looking for food, drink, and sewage services.

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"You cannot make the decisions and expect me to pay the bill. You cannot order the most expensive dishes for lunch, and then ask me to pay your bill. I did not invite you to this [meal]. You accepted the Iranian invitation, so let the Iranians pay the bill. However, if you want me to become involved, and to protect you, and block Trump's plan of turning Gaza into another riviera... By the way, if the Arab world washed its hands of [Gaza], and if Jordan and Egypt decided not to intervene, and the Gulf states decided not to bankroll anything – Gaza would proceed towards the American plan, because at the moment, Trump's plan, as absurd as it is, is the only plan on the table."