Netanyahu Proposes Gaza Governance Handover to Arab Nations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that his country will not govern the Palestinian enclave of Gaza after driving out Hamas, opting instead to transfer the responsibility to Arab nations. This declaration comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with military actions and talks failing to reach a sustainable resolution.
During an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu was asked whether Israel would establish its own governing body in Gaza following the military campaign against Hamas. He responded by asserting that Israel’s primary objective is to secure its borders and remove Hamas, enabling the population to be free of the militant group. He emphasized that Israel does not intend to maintain a governing presence in Gaza, but rather to pass it to civilian governance that is not affiliated with Hamas or any entity that advocates the destruction of Israel.
Netanyahu’s remarks align with his broader strategy to maintain a security perimeter rather than exert long-term control over the region. The statement was made in the context of ongoing tensions, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expressing concerns over a potential full occupation of Gaza. Earlier this month, several Israeli media outlets reported that Netanyahu had proposed a plan to fully occupy Gaza, despite objections from the IDF.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been marked by several phases, including a fragile three-stage ceasefire in January, which was soon followed by renewed military action from Israel in March. Despite sporadic talks between the two sides, no significant breakthrough has been achieved. The conflict began in October 2023 with a surprise attack by Hamas in southern Israel, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and over 250 hostages being taken.
Netanyahu’s proposal to hand over Gaza to Arab nations has been met with mixed reactions. While some Arab states have expressed willingness to take on the responsibility, others have remained skeptical. The U.S. former president, Donald Trump, had previously proposed a plan envisioning the relocation of Gaza’s population to neighboring states of great wealth, a proposal that was rejected by several Arab nations and Russia.
Meanwhile, international organizations and European governments have criticized Israel’s military actions, accusing the country of indiscriminately striking residential areas and restricting humanitarian aid to the enclave. The United Nations and various humanitarian groups have raised serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, labeling it an ‘unthinkable’ catastrophe.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the international community remains closely watching the developments, with ongoing discussions on potential solutions to the conflict. The future of Gaza’s governance and the humanitarian situation remains a critical point of contention and concern.