The government of Israel is divided on the future of Gaza after the war is over, and the latest proposal by the country’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has only added to the debate. Gallant’s plan is not yet the official government position, as it must first be discussed by the war and security cabinets. The plan suggests that Palestinians should govern themselves after the war, but does not specify who would do it. It does not refer to a role for the Palestinian Authority (PA) which currently has limited control in the West Bank. The US has supported a role for the PA to govern Gaza, but PM Benjamin Netanyahu has argued against having the PA control both the West Bank and Gaza.
Gallant’s plan also calls for Israel to maintain security control of the Gaza Strip post-war, but it is unclear what this would mean for the 2.3 million people living in the devastated enclave. The plan does not mention a permanent Israeli military presence, nor does it say there will not be one.
As for Egypt’s role, under Gallant’s plan, Egypt would be a “major actor” in the future of Gaza. There is also a proposal for an international force of European and Arab countries to help rebuild the Gaza Strip.
The issue of border control and settlers in Gaza is also being debated, with some calling for the return of Israeli settlers to Gaza, which has been pushed by some of the government’s far-right ministers.
Meanwhile, inside Gaza, Palestinians are still suffering as health officials say around 100 people are being killed every day and more than a million are displaced in Rafah. There is a lack of aid entering Gaza to support the two million people across the strip who are displaced.