US and Israel Discuss Temporary Governance for Gaza Post-Conflict
High-level consultations focus on a possible US-led administration in Gaza until a viable Palestinian governance structure is established.
JERUSALEM - The United States and Israel have engaged in discussions regarding the potential for Washington to lead a temporary administration in Gaza following the conclusion of ongoing conflicts in the Palestinian enclave, as reported by multiple sources familiar with the matter.
High-level consultations have centered around the idea of a transitional government operated by a US official, with oversight responsibilities for the Gaza Strip until it is demilitarized and a stable Palestinian administration is established.
These discussions are in preliminary stages, as highlighted by the sources.
The proposal has been likened to the Coalition Provisional Authority set up by the US in Iraq in 2003, shortly after the US invasion which led to the ousting of Saddam Hussein.
This authority was often perceived by many Iraqis as an occupying force and transitioned power to an interim Iraqi government in 2004, faced with increasing insurgency.
Sources indicated that other countries would be invited to participate in the US-led authority in Gaza, although specifics regarding which countries are being considered have not been disclosed.
The envisioned US administration would rely on Palestinian technocrats while excluding Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, as well as the Palestinian Authority that nominally controls the West Bank.
A spokesperson from the US State Department refrained from commenting on whether discussions regarding a US-led provisional authority in Gaza have taken place, stating that they do not discuss ongoing negotiations.
"We want peace and the immediate release of hostages," the spokesperson noted, emphasizing continuing support for Israel and a commitment to peace.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to comment.
In response to these discussions, Ismail al Thaouabta, head of the media office for the Hamas-led Gaza government, rejected the notion of a US or foreign-led administration, asserting that the Palestinian people should determine their own leadership.
The Palestinian Authority did not respond to a request for comment.
The establishment of a US-led provisional authority in Gaza would represent the largest US intervention in the Middle East since the Iraq invasion.
Such an initiative carries significant risks, particularly if Washington is viewed as an occupying power in the Palestinian enclave, according to two of the sources.
The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has proposed a coalition of nations to oversee governance in Gaza after the conflict.
Their participation is contingent on the inclusion of the Palestinian Authority and a credible path towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to inquiries on whether they would support a US-led administration that excludes the Palestinian Authority.
High-level consultations have centered around the idea of a transitional government operated by a US official, with oversight responsibilities for the Gaza Strip until it is demilitarized and a stable Palestinian administration is established.
These discussions are in preliminary stages, as highlighted by the sources.
The proposal has been likened to the Coalition Provisional Authority set up by the US in Iraq in 2003, shortly after the US invasion which led to the ousting of Saddam Hussein.
This authority was often perceived by many Iraqis as an occupying force and transitioned power to an interim Iraqi government in 2004, faced with increasing insurgency.
Sources indicated that other countries would be invited to participate in the US-led authority in Gaza, although specifics regarding which countries are being considered have not been disclosed.
The envisioned US administration would rely on Palestinian technocrats while excluding Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, as well as the Palestinian Authority that nominally controls the West Bank.
A spokesperson from the US State Department refrained from commenting on whether discussions regarding a US-led provisional authority in Gaza have taken place, stating that they do not discuss ongoing negotiations.
"We want peace and the immediate release of hostages," the spokesperson noted, emphasizing continuing support for Israel and a commitment to peace.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to comment.
In response to these discussions, Ismail al Thaouabta, head of the media office for the Hamas-led Gaza government, rejected the notion of a US or foreign-led administration, asserting that the Palestinian people should determine their own leadership.
The Palestinian Authority did not respond to a request for comment.
The establishment of a US-led provisional authority in Gaza would represent the largest US intervention in the Middle East since the Iraq invasion.
Such an initiative carries significant risks, particularly if Washington is viewed as an occupying power in the Palestinian enclave, according to two of the sources.
The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has proposed a coalition of nations to oversee governance in Gaza after the conflict.
Their participation is contingent on the inclusion of the Palestinian Authority and a credible path towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to inquiries on whether they would support a US-led administration that excludes the Palestinian Authority.
