Proposed Appointment of Samir Hulileh as Governor of Post-War Gaza
Israeli special interest group appoints Samir Hulileh as potential Gaza governor following the conflict
A proposal to appoint Palestinian businessman Samir Hulileh as governor of post-war Gaza has been under discussion with key international and regional actors. The initiative, which began in July 2024, involves the U.S. government, Arab League, and Israeli contacts, with the Palestinian Authority (PA) being aware but not the deciding authority.
Samir Hulileh, a Ramallah-based economist and former senior PA official, has emerged as the potential candidate for this role. He boasts extensive governance and business experience, having held senior positions in the Authority, extensive business connections, and having served as Secretary-General of the Palestinian government, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade, Chairman of the Board of the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute, board member of the Palestinian Trade Center, CEO of PADICO, and chairman of the Palestine Stock Exchange.
The proposal has been notably promoted by lobbyist Ari Ben-Menashe and supported by U.S. and Arab League efforts to manage Gaza’s future under their oversight. The plan includes ideas such as stationing U.S. and Arab forces in Gaza, securing a special UN status for the territory, and economic arrangements involving Sinai and the Gaza coastline.
Hulileh has emphasized that the timeline for such governance would be transitional—likely six months to a year—and that achieving peace and ceasefire is a necessary first step before any governance changes. Despite strong external interest, Hamas has not commented, and the Palestinian presidency has denied any official appointment. Hulileh described himself as politically independent and highlighted ongoing discussions with the PA.
The plan's success would require a permanent ceasefire and peace in the region, and it is contingent upon guarantees for the continuous entry of humanitarian aid. It is worth noting that Israel has not yet officially given its consent for Hulileh's appointment.
This represents a complex and sensitive political initiative aiming to establish a post-war governance structure in Gaza acceptable to multiple international and regional stakeholders, while respecting Palestinian political legitimacy.
Additional Details
- The Arab Quartet Committee, as the executive arm of the Arab Summit’s decisions regarding Gaza, has stated that Palestinian police forces must fill the vacuum after the Israeli army's withdrawal, potentially supported by Arab forces.
- There has been an ongoing Israeli attempt to install a new administration in the Gaza Strip during covert operations.
- Hulileh has not responded to any invitations extended to him to visit the White House.
- The Gaza administration project does not necessarily depend on Israel's consent.
- Hulileh's acceptance of the Gaza administration project is dependent on official approval from the Palestinian Authority and the establishment of a clear, structured framework.
- The Palestinian presidency has stated that Israeli media claims about appointing a Palestinian figure to run Gaza with the knowledge of the Palestinian leadership are "untrue."
- The plan involves appointing a leader in Gaza, acceptable to the Arab League, Israel, and the United States, to form a new regime in the "day-after" Gaza.
- Hulileh was contacted by a Canadian contractor working with the U.S. administration and the Pentagon in July 2024, to identify figures who could serve as a "point of contact" between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, Egypt, and other key players in the region.
- Trump is expected to announce the start of final-stage negotiations to end the war, including a full prisoner exchange and a complete withdrawal of the Israeli army.
- The Perseid meteor shower is expected to light up Tuřkije's night skies in August 2025.
- Nearly 900 aftershocks have been recorded following the western Tuřkije earthquake.
- The fire at Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral is estimated to cost over $1M in repairs.
- The proposed appointment of Samir Hulileh as governor of post-war Gaza is a complex political initiative that involves the U.S. government, Arab League, and Israeli contacts, with the Palestinian Authority being aware but not the deciding authority.
- The Arab Quartet Committee, as the executive arm of the Arab Summit’s decisions regarding Gaza, has stated that Palestinian police forces must fill the vacuum after the Israeli army's withdrawal, potentially supported by Arab forces.
- Hulileh's acceptance of the Gaza administration project is dependent on official approval from the Palestinian Authority and the establishment of a clear, structured framework.
- The Palestinian presidency has stated that Israeli media claims about appointing a Palestinian figure to run Gaza with the knowledge of the Palestinian leadership are "untrue," but the plan involves appointing a leader in Gaza, acceptable to the Arab League, Israel, and the United States, to form a new regime in the "day-after" Gaza. Meanwhile, the Perseid meteor shower is expected to light up Tuřkije's night skies in August 2025.
