TEL AVIV: Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has presented a plan for the administration of Gaza after the current hostilities conclude. Gallant outlined the plan, emphasizing that neither Hamas nor Israel would govern the Palestinian territory post-war.
According to the plan, Israel’s military operations in Gaza will continue until specific objectives are achieved. These objectives include securing the return of hostages taken on October 7, dismantling Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, and eliminating any remaining military threats.
After achieving these goals, the plan envisions a new phase where “Hamas will not control Gaza” and will not pose a security threat to Israel’s citizens. The governance of Gaza during this phase is expected to be assumed by unspecified Palestinian bodies, with the condition that there are no hostile actions or threats against Israel.
The plan emphasizes that there will be “no Israeli civilian presence in the Gaza Strip after the goals of the war have been achieved.” Israel would reserve the right to operate inside the territory if needed.
The proposal comes amid internal divisions within the Israeli government on the future of Gaza after Hamas. Some Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have made controversial calls, such as encouraging Israeli settlers to return to the territory and proposing solutions to encourage the emigration of Gaza’s Palestinian population.
The international community, including the United States, has suggested that Gaza should be governed by a “revitalized” Palestinian Authority based in the occupied West Bank. The unveiling of this plan coincides with the upcoming visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who aims to address humanitarian aid for Gaza and prevent further regional escalation.
