Whispers from confidential circles hint at a novel geopolitical blueprint being mulled over by Uncle Sam and the Star of David: the potential for Washington to steer Gaza's ship in the aftermath of conflict. Insiders privy to these "high-level" deliberations suggest a U.S.-orchestrated interim authority, helmed by an American figurehead, to shepherd the strip until it's demilitarized, stability takes root, and a legitimate Palestinian governing body emerges from the dust.
These nascent discussions, still in their infancy, reportedly lack a fixed expiration date for this U.S.-led stewardship, its longevity dictated by the unfolding realities on the ground, according to half a dozen knowledgeable individuals. These sources, cloaked in anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject, drew parallels to the Coalition Provisional Authority established in Iraq by Washington in the wake of Saddam Hussein's ouster in 2003. That endeavor, perceived by many Iraqis as an occupation, ultimately ceded power to an interim Iraqi government in 2004 amidst a burgeoning insurgency.
The proposition on the table reportedly envisions inviting other nations to join this U.S.-led Gazan authority. While the specific countries remain undisclosed, the sources indicated that the administration would tap into the expertise of Palestinian technocrats, while pointedly excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which currently exercises limited control in the West Bank.
The current conflagration ignited when Hamas, the dominant force in Gaza since 2007, launched a surprise incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of another 251 individuals.
The sources cautioned that the realization of any such accord remains uncertain, with discussions yet to delve into the crucial matter of who would occupy key leadership roles. Furthermore, they refrained from identifying which party initiated this intriguing proposition or providing further granular details of the exchanges.
Responding to inquiries, a U.S. State Department spokesperson offered no direct confirmation of discussions with Israel regarding a U.S.-led provisional authority in Gaza, citing the confidential nature of ongoing negotiations. "Our desire is for peace and the swift return of the hostages," the spokesperson stated, underscoring the enduring tenets of their approach: "standing with Israel, advocating for peace."
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opted to remain silent on the matter.
In an April interview with Sky News Arabia, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar floated the idea of a "transitional period" post-conflict, overseen by an international board of trustees, including "moderate Arab countries," with Palestinians operating under their guidance. "Our aim isn't to govern the daily lives of Gazans. Our sole focus in the Gaza Strip is security," he asserted, without naming potential participating nations. The foreign ministry did not respond to requests for further clarification.
Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, vehemently rejected the notion of a U.S. or any foreign-led administration, asserting the right of the Palestinian people in Gaza to choose their own leaders.
The Palestinian Authority also remained silent on requests for comment.
A U.S.-helmed interim administration in Gaza would significantly deepen Washington's involvement in the intricate Israeli-Palestinian entanglement, marking its most substantial Middle Eastern intervention since the Iraq invasion. Two sources cautioned that such a move carries considerable risks of adverse reactions from both allies and adversaries across the Middle East if Washington is perceived as an occupying force within Gaza.
The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has reportedly proposed to the U.S. and Israel that an international coalition should manage Gaza's post-war governance. Abu Dhabi has conditioned its participation on the inclusion of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and a credible pathway toward Palestinian statehood. The UAE foreign ministry did not respond to inquiries regarding its potential support for a U.S.-led administration that excludes the PA.
Israel's leadership, including Netanyahu, staunchly opposes any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, accusing it of anti-Israeli sentiment. Netanyahu also rejects Palestinian sovereignty.
Netanyahu stated on Monday that Israel would intensify its operations in Gaza and that more Gazans would be relocated "for their own safety." Israel continues its efforts to secure the release of 59 hostages held within the enclave. Its offensive has tragically resulted in the deaths of over 52,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health ministry data.
Certain figures within Netanyahu's right-wing coalition have publicly advocated for what they term the "voluntary" mass migration of Palestinians from Gaza and the re-establishment of Jewish settlements within the coastal territory.
However, behind closed doors, some Israeli officials are reportedly considering various proposals for Gaza's future, which sources indicate assume there will not be a mass exodus of Palestinians. These include the U.S.-led provisional administration. Among other ideas being weighed are restricting reconstruction to designated security zones, dividing the territory, and establishing permanent military bases, according to four sources, including foreign diplomats and former Israeli officials privy to these discussions.
Source: Reuters