RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan 29: In a discreet gathering held approximately a week ago in Riyadh, high-ranking officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority (PA) convened to strategize on the governance of Gaza post-war. Multiple sources have confirmed that discussions revolved around establishing mechanisms for a "renewed Palestinian Authority" to actively participate in the administration of the Strip.

The meeting is a significant indicator that both the Palestinian Authority and key Arab nations are proactively planning for the post-conflict scenario in Gaza. Meanwhile, similar deliberations are taking place within Israel, although concrete solutions have yet to materialize.

Saudi National Security Adviser Musad Al-Aiban orchestrated the meeting, drawing the participation of key figures such as the Palestinian General Intelligence Chief Majed Faraj, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel, and Jordanian Intelligence Chief Ahmed Hosni.

According to insiders, Israel was notified about the meeting and its agenda by select participants. Notably, sources familiar with the meeting's details revealed that Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan emphasized to the head of Palestinian intelligence the imperative need for comprehensive reforms within the PA. This includes advocating for a leadership reshuffle and transferring specific powers from President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) to a newly appointed prime minister.

The Saudi delegation emphasized their ongoing interest in pursuing normalization with Israel. However, they underscored that tangible, irreversible steps must be taken by Israel and the international community towards establishing a Palestinian state. This commitment remains steadfast even if immediate statehood is not immediately achieved.

Requests for comments from the embassies of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt in Washington went unanswered. Similarly, Palestinian Authority Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh refrained from providing a statement on the matter.