Israel Weigh U.S.-Led Control of Gaza, Sources Say
The United States and Israel are quietly discussing a controversial plan for Washington to lead a temporary post-war administration in Gaza, five sources familiar with the matter revealed to Reuters, sparking fears of a foreign occupation in the war-torn territory.
A Contentious Proposal
The preliminary talks focus on a U.S.-headed transitional government to oversee Gaza until it is “demilitarized” and a new Palestinian administration is imposed, according to the sources.
With no set timeline, the plan echoes the U.S.-run Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in 2003, widely criticized as an occupying force that fueled unrest before collapsing in 2004.
The sources, speaking anonymously due to the talks’ sensitivity, said the proposal would exclude Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, and the Palestinian Authority, which holds limited sway in the West Bank.
Excluding Palestinian Voices
The U.S.-led authority would rely on Palestinian technocrats while sidelining key Palestinian factions, raising questions about legitimacy.
Other countries might join, though none were named.
Hamas, rejected the idea outright. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of Hamas’ Gaza media office said:
The Palestinian people of Gaza should choose their own rulers.
Ismail Al-Thawabta
Risks of Occupation
The plan risks entrenching U.S. involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with two sources warning of a severe regional backlash if Washington is seen as an occupier.
Israel’s relentless offensive, which has killed over 52,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s health ministry, has created a humanitarian catastrophe, leveling communities and displacing millions
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes Palestinian sovereignty, has vowed to escalate attacks and displace more Gazans “for their own safety.”
Regional Pushback
The United Arab Emirates proposed an international coalition for Gaza’s governance, insisting on Palestinian Authority inclusion and a path to statehood — conditions Israel rejects.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claimed, “We’re not looking to control the civil life of the people in Gaza. Our sole interest in the Gaza Strip is security,” despite Israel’s history of occupation.
The State Department, evading questions on the talks, said, “We want peace, and the immediate release of the hostages.”
Netanyahu’s office stayed silent.