Strong comments made by the President of Israel, suggesting that influential entities might need to maintain a presence in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has prompted a complex web of international positions regarding its post-conflict governance.
Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, envisions a military defeat of Hamas, involving disarmament and removal of Hamas governance. Israel's plan includes temporary control of Gaza City and its security, with an emphasis on demilitarization, establishment of an alternative civilian administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority (PA), and maintaining some level of Israeli security oversight. Israel has linked withdrawal from Gaza to these security conditions but refuses Hamas or PA governance in the interim [1][2][5].
President Isaac Herzog's views on the matter are not explicitly detailed, but as Israel's President, he generally supports national security priorities aligned with government policy but also promotes diplomacy and peace efforts, typically advocating for stability in the region.
The United States, under the current administration, appears to support an "all-for-all" strategy proposed to manage Gaza post-conflict. This strategy involves cooperation among the Palestinian Authority, key Arab states (notably the UAE due to its pragmatic ties with Israel), Europe, the United Nations, and Israel on governance, security, reconstruction, and political stabilization of Gaza [1][4]. However, the search results suggest some ambiguity or reluctance by the administration to exert necessary pressure for this comprehensive approach, evidenced by allowing Netanyahu substantial leeway in Gaza strategy [4].
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is excluded from Israel's immediate post-conflict plans to govern Gaza, which Israel wishes to bar from control along with Hamas. This exclusion complicates PA involvement and acceptance on the ground, worsening intra-Palestinian political dynamics but is consistent with Israel’s security demands and desire to prevent any armed group governance [1][2].
Regional neighbors, including the UAE, and international actors, such as the United Nations, emphasize the humanitarian crisis and warn against further escalation. The UN Security Council has warned that Israel’s plans to take over Gaza City risk igniting "another horrific chapter" of displacement and suffering and urged humanitarian relief and protection of civilians [2][3]. The UAE has proposed pragmatic governance principles for Gaza post-conflict, which Israel views as a likelier framework among Arab proposals.
In summary, the international stance is fragmented:
| Actor | Position on Gaza Post-Conflict Governance | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | Israel | Demilitarize Gaza, disarm Hamas, bar Hamas and PA, Israeli security oversight, alternative civilian administration [1][2] | | President Herzog | Likely supports government’s security-oriented approach, promotes diplomacy (specifics not detailed) | | United States | Supports "all-for-all" multilateral governance including PA and Arab states, but hesitant to fully pressure parties [1][4] | | Palestinian Authority| Excluded by Israel from Gaza governance, complicating peace prospects [1][2] | | Regional Neighbors (e.g., UAE) | Advocate for pragmatic governance and reconstruction plans; UAE seen as a potential mediator [1][4] | | United Nations | Warns against escalation, demands humanitarian access and civilian protection, calls for two-state solution [2][3] |
The Palestinian Authority does not support Israel's occupation of Gaza. President Herzog believes that "very powerful forces" may need to remain in the Gaza Strip in the near future to prevent the re-emergence of Hamas. The UN Security Council called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate aid access and demanded the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Israeli forces stormed the "Al-Shifa" hospital early on November 15 and spent the whole day there, intensifying the search. The Palestinian Authority claims that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of what it sees as the future Palestinian state. If Israel retreats from the Gaza Strip, according to Herzog, there is a risk that another group could take control, and a vacuum should not be left. The Israeli military is focusing on the largest hospital in Gaza, "Al-Shifa", where the Hamas command center is allegedly located in tunnels under its buildings.
References:
[1] Al Jazeera (2021, November 15). Israel storms Gaza City's Shifa hospital, sparking international outcry. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/15/israel-storms-gaza-city-s-shifa-hospital-sparking-international-outcry
[2] BBC News (2021, November 15). Gaza conflict: UN Security Council calls for immediate ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59314857
[3] Middle East Eye (2021, November 15). UN Security Council warns Israel over Gaza City takeover. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-security-council-warns-israel-gaza-city-takeover
[4] The New York Times (2021, November 15). Biden Warns Israel Against Taking Over Gaza City. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/15/world/middleeast/biden-israel-gaza-city.html
[5] The Times of Israel (2021, November 15). Netanyahu: Israel to maintain overall responsibility for Gaza security for indefinite period. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-israel-to-maintain-overall-responsibility-for-gaza-security-for-indefinite-period/
- General news outlets report a differing international stance on Gaza's post-conflict governance, with Israel envisioning a demilitarized Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration that excludes Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
- Despite the UN Security Council's calls for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire, Israeli forces continue to search for Hamas members in Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, sparking international outcry and concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
