US Supports Palestinian Governance in Gaza, Rejecting Israeli Security Responsibility
The United States has voiced its support for Palestinians to govern the Gaza Strip once Israel’s conflict with Hamas comes to an end. This stance is in contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that Israel would assume security responsibility indefinitely. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlined Washington’s expectations for the future of Gaza, emphasizing that there should be no reoccupation, blockade, or reduction of territory. Blinken also emphasized the need for Palestinian-led governance and the unification of Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
Netanyahu’s comments on ABC News diverged from US officials’ position, as he had stated that Israel would retain overall security responsibility for an indefinite period after the war. However, Israeli officials have since attempted to clarify that they have no intention of occupying Gaza, though they have not provided details on how security would be ensured without a military presence. Israel withdrew its forces from Gaza in 2005.
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which has limited self-rule in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, considers Gaza as an integral part of its envisioned future state. Key officials, including PA President Mahmoud Abbas, insist that the PA’s return to Gaza must be accompanied by a political solution that ends Israel’s occupation of territories captured during the 1967 Middle East war.
Hamas gained control of Gaza after a brief civil war with Abbas’ Fatah party in 2007. Despite years of reconciliation talks, there has been no breakthrough in resuming PA administration of Gaza. The PA continues to provide certain financial support, such as electricity, water, and civil servant salaries.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, over 10,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces, with approximately 40% of the casualties being children, according to Palestinian health officials in Gaza. While Arab states have called for an immediate ceasefire, they have been hesitant to discuss the post-war status of Gaza, emphasizing the need to focus on halting hostilities.
Secretary Blinken, however, believes that it is important to have discussions about the future now, as identifying longer-term objectives and a pathway to achieve them would shape the approach in addressing immediate needs.
The Biden administration has reiterated its support for a two-state solution, but has yet to outline a strategy for reviving long-stalled peace talks. The last round of negotiations broke down in 2014.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that the Palestinian Authority can assume some political control over Gaza, describing it as the best-case scenario. The US and its partners are currently engaged in discussions on what a governance structure for Gaza might look like, with the goal of allowing Palestinians to determine their future.
In conclusion, the US supports Palestinian governance in Gaza once the conflict ends, rejecting the notion of Israel’s indefinite security responsibility. The focus is on Palestinian-led governance and unification with the West Bank, while a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s future is still being developed. The need to address immediate needs and work towards a political solution that ends Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories remains a priority.
