Reconstruction Efforts Focused on Israeli-Controlled Area Until Hamas Disarmament
The United States and Israel are exploring a strategy to divide the Gaza Strip into two distinct zones: one controlled by Israel and another governed by Hamas. Reconstruction efforts would only be initiated in the portion under Israeli control, serving as a temporary measure until Hamas is disarmed and removed from power.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Vice President Jay DeVance and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner outlined this plan during a press briefing in Israel, pressuring both sides to adhere to the current ceasefire. Under this agreement, Israeli forces have retreated to a position that allows them to maintain oversight over approximately 53% of the territory.
DeVance noted that there are “two areas in Gaza: one is relatively safe, while the other is extremely dangerous,” emphasizing a goal to gradually expand the safer zone. Kushner clarified that “no funds will be allocated for the reconstruction of areas still under Hamas control,” with efforts concentrated on “developing the secure side” to create a model for a “new Gaza” where Palestinians can live and work.
Arab Objections to the Division
This plan has raised concerns among Arab mediators, who indicated that it was presented during peace negotiations. Arab governments fear that the division of Gaza could lead to the establishment of a permanent Israeli-controlled area within the strip and are unwilling to engage in any security arrangements based on this framework.
The ceasefire took effect on October 10, with “yellow lines” marked on the map to delineate areas under Israeli military control—regions adjacent to the border that encircle the remaining areas governed by Hamas.
The Disarmament Dilemma
At its core, the plan attempts to confront the challenge of disarming Hamas and establishing an alternative authority to manage the Gaza Strip, ensuring a conducive environment for reconstruction projects. Trump’s vision includes forming a panel of “technocrats” to oversee the region, supported by an international security force; however, details remain under discussion.
Many Arab nations believe that the Palestinian Authority should be responsible for overseeing the sector, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes granting them any role.
Kushner Leads the Initiative
White House officials have stated that Kushner is the driving force behind the division plan, collaborating with special envoy Steve Whitekov, with the backing of Trump and DeVance. Nonetheless, the proposal faces significant questions, such as how daily life for Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled area will be managed and how to prevent Hamas operatives from infiltrating it, potentially through a security vetting program implemented by Israeli authorities.
Israeli Objectives
The plan has received support from some Israeli analysts, who believe it could politically weaken Hamas and allow Israel to gradually expand its influence at the expense of Hamas-held territories, while also strengthening a “buffer zone” to protect Israeli communities bordering the strip that were attacked on October 7, 2023.
Ofer Guterman, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, described the plan as “feasible and ideal from an Israeli perspective.”
Amir Afifi, a former Israeli security official, noted that the initiative draws inspiration from previous plans to create “Hamas-free islands” within the Gaza Strip, but this time it is more ambitious. Even though earlier attempts faced failures and criticism, Afifi believes Israel may seek to expand its territory if Hamas does not recede.
Palestinian Concerns
Researcher Tahani Mustafa from the European Council on Foreign Relations has indicated that Palestinians have been apprehensive since the onset of the conflict that Israel might replicate the West Bank model in Gaza, imposing complete security control and forcing populations into small, isolated enclaves.
She stated, “Gaza has always represented the last contiguous piece of geography that could form the nucleus of a Palestinian state. Such a plan could turn these fears into reality.”
The U.S. and Israeli demand for Hamas disarmament without substantial guarantees for a peace process, according to Mustafa, could lead to a “political deadlock” that would be difficult to resolve.