Introduction: Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has revealed a postwar plan for Gaza as the Israeli government remains divided over the region’s future following the removal of Hamas. The plan was presented ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the region.
Plan Overview: According to Gallant’s proposal, Israel’s military operations in Gaza will persist until certain objectives are met. These include securing the return of hostages taken on October 7, dismantling Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, and eliminating any remaining military threats.
After achieving these goals, the plan envisions a new phase where unspecified Palestinian bodies would assume governance in Gaza, ensuring that Hamas does not control the territory or pose a security threat to Israel. Israel would reserve the right to operate within Gaza, but the plan emphasizes the absence of Israeli civilian presence in the strip after the war’s objectives are fulfilled.
Gallant stressed that the presented ideas are his vision for the third phase of the conflict, not official policy, which would need approval from Israel’s war and security cabinets.
Military Strategy: The document outlines a shift in Israeli military strategy, describing a scaled-down “new combat approach” in northern Gaza, focusing on raids, tunnel destruction, air and ground activities, and special operations. The aim is to erode the remaining Hamas presence in the area. However, the plan does not clarify how this approach differs from current operations.
The fate of the population in northern Gaza, largely displaced due to the conflict, remains uncertain, with no mention of their potential return.
Controversial Statements and International Response: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both from the far-right, have made controversial statements. Ben-Gvir called for Israeli settlers to return to Gaza and suggested encouraging the emigration of the Palestinian population. Smotrich reiterated the idea that Palestinians should leave, making way for Israeli resettlement.
These statements drew condemnation from Arab states and the US, emphasizing that Gaza’s residents are Palestinian, and any future governance should involve Palestinian bodies.
US Perspective: The US has suggested that a “revitalized” Palestinian Authority, based in the occupied West Bank, could govern Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to discuss Gaza’s future governance during his visit to the region, emphasizing the need for aid to Gaza and preventing regional escalation.
Humanitarian Impact: The conflict in Gaza, ongoing for nearly three months, has taken a severe humanitarian toll. More than 22,400 people have been killed, with a majority being women and children. Thousands remain buried under rubble, and tens of thousands are wounded. The siege has led to a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza’s population experiencing starvation due to insufficient supplies.
Airstrikes and shelling continue to destroy homes, and a recent Israeli strike in Mawasi killed at least 12 people, including children. The international community has raised concerns about the impact of the conflict on civilians.
International Court of Justice Hearing: The unveiling of Gallant’s plan coincides with Israel preparing to defend itself at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide in its campaign against Hamas in Gaza. The ICJ hearing is expected to address these allegations and further internationalize the ongoing conflict.
Conclusion: As Israel outlines its postwar plan for Gaza, the situation remains complex and contentious. Divisions within the Israeli government, controversial statements from far-right officials, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis highlight the challenges in resolving the conflict. The international community, including the US and the ICJ, plays a crucial role in shaping the path forward for Gaza and addressing the broader implications of the conflict.
Source:- The guardian