Potential figure leading Gaza post-conflict?
In the aftermath of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, a prominent Palestinian figure, Samir Hulileh, has emerged as a potential candidate for the governorship of the region during the post-conflict period.
Hulileh, a well-known economist and political leader within the Palestinian Authority (PA), is being considered as a prospective governor by multiple actors, including Israel, the United States, the Arab League, and the PA itself. This plan, which has been running for months behind the scenes, aims to establish a civilian administration in Gaza that is accepted by Israel and Western actors, distinct from both Hamas and the current PA framework.
Born in Jericho in 1957, Hulileh has held several top positions within the Palestinian Authority, including serving as secretary-general of the Palestinian government and deputy minister of economy and trade. He is also the CEO of Palestine Development and Investment Company (PADICO) and has extensive ties to both Palestinian economic institutions and influential political figures.
According to reports, Hulileh has been approached by a Canadian intermediary connected to the U.S. administration regarding the possibility of leading Gaza after the conflict. The Palestinian businessman emphasizes the need for a lasting ceasefire first and advocates for restoring law and order in Gaza with no dominance by either Hamas or the PA but with respect from residents. He envisions rebuilding Gaza with an estimated investment of $53 billion, supported by Gulf states, the U.S., and the EU.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently named the establishment of a civil government friendly to Israel as one of the principles for ending the war. However, it is important to note that Israel has rejected any role for the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian news agency Wafa states that only the State of Palestine, represented by the government or an agreed administrative body, is authorized to manage the Gaza Strip in the future.
The Egyptian plan for the Gaza Strip reconstruction, presented in March, includes a six-month transition phase managed by a Palestinian committee of technocrats under the auspices of the Palestinian government. However, this plan was rejected by both Israel and the USA. Despite this, the Egyptian plan suggests that Hulileh's Gaza administration would operate under the guidance of the Palestinian government.
In summary, Samir Hulileh, a well-known Palestinian economic and political figure, is being discussed as a prospective leader for Gaza’s administration after the war. The aim is to establish a civilian administration in Gaza that is accepted by Israel and Western actors, diverging from Hamas or direct PA control. The transition to the post-conflict era in Gaza is being prepared in terms of administrative management of the area, with Hulileh positioned as a potential "project manager" for Gaza's reconstruction.
- The proposal for a new civilian administration in Gaza, to be led by Samir Hulileh, is expected to fall under the ongoing discussions about the community policy regarding the region's governance, aligned with the economic and monetary union policies of major global powers.
- With Samir Hulileh's envisioned Gaza administration seeking investment of $53 billion from the Gulf states, the United States, and the European Union, the economic and monetary union aspects will play a crucial role in ensuring the region's recovery and stability during the post-conflict period.
