Transitional governance for civilians in Gaza following the war could last as long as a year, according to the proposed new governor.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has expressed plans to reoccupy Gaza and allow Palestinians to leave the enclave. However, a more immediate concern is the proposed establishment of a civilian transitional government for Gaza, which is still in its preliminary stages. This neutral, non-Hamas, non-Palestinian Authority administration is envisioned to govern for up to a year following the end of current hostilities.
The proposed governor, Samir Hulileh, a Palestinian businessman, has stated that he had been hiding for two years before being approached for the role. Mr. Hulileh, who was previously the cabinet secretary of the Palestinian Authority and held roles in the Economy Ministry, is prepared for the challenges ahead, acknowledging that the beginning will be the most difficult part.
The main issues standing in the way of a civilian government are political and security-related. The Palestinian Authority currently claims exclusive authority, and the proposed governor has questioned why he was approached instead of official PA representatives. Israeli demands include disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and barring both Hamas and the PA from governing, complicating consensus.
Israel's military plans also pose a significant challenge. The country plans a significant military operation involving displacement of Gaza City’s civilians, extended military control, and clearing armed groups. This undermines immediate prospects for civilian government installation.
Gaza is largely destroyed and uninhabitable. The enclave has become a humanitarian crisis, with the majority of it destroyed, bodies unreachable by emergency and rescue crews, and tens of thousands of Palestinians needing medical assistance. This week, hunger-related deaths due to Israel's siege in Gaza reached 235, including 106 children.
The broader plan for Gaza, adopted by the Arab League, involves Hamas stepping aside and a technocratic committee taking over for six months. Discussions for the transitional administration are ongoing with Egypt, Qatar, the US, and Arab partners, who emphasize ceasefire, removal of Hamas leadership, and international oversight.
Any civilian government must build trust among Gaza residents and the international community. Israel cannot be seen as the provider of civil governance. The role of neighboring Arab states in supporting and funding this government is critical.
In summary, while a civilian transitional government is conceptually planned as a neutral body to rebuild Gaza post-conflict, its realization depends on resolving complex regional political dynamics, securing a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, addressing humanitarian emergencies, and gaining broad international and local legitimacy.
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