A recently proposed Egyptian plan aims to govern Gaza, but Israel’s refusal to accept its key elements poses a significant challenge. The plan excludes Hamas from governing Gaza and proposes a technocratic council of Palestinians under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Ramallah. United Nations peacekeepers would oversee the effort, with Arab governments contributing to physical reconstruction.
However, several reasons hinder Israel’s acceptance, including concerns about putting unnamed Palestinians in charge and UN peacekeeping. The Trump administration could take the lead in building on the Egyptian proposal to move negotiations forward. One alternative approach involves a US-led international contact group overseeing an internationally led interim governance authority for Gaza’s security and reconstruction.
The Israeli government’s refusal to commit to turning Gaza over to the PA and setting up a Palestinian state is a major obstacle. To bridge this gap, the second Trump administration must address concerns about “de-radicalization” and empower non-Hamas Palestinians. An internationally led authority can facilitate postwar reconstruction, despite the need for creativity and addressing the challenges of Palestinian unity.
The Egyptian proposal may not be accepted immediately, but it serves as a starting point for negotiations on a workable plan for postwar Gaza. The international community should prioritize resolving this critical issue to end the security threat to Israel and alleviate suffering in Gaza.
Source: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/the-egyptian-plan-for-postwar-gaza-is-a-good-starting-point-but-it-needs-changes