Israeli authorities are discreetly formulating a strategy to manage the delivery of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, which includes the potential establishment of a Palestinian-led administration in the region, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
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The initiative, discussed with nations such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, seeks to involve Palestinian leaders and entrepreneurs unaffiliated with Hamas in the aid distribution process. The plan is to have the aid, following Israeli inspection, transported to central Gaza warehouses for distribution by Palestinians. Post-conflict, those overseeing the aid are anticipated to form the governing body, with security support financed by affluent Arab countries.
Video: Hamas terrorists overtaking aid meant for Gaza civilians / Credit: Arab media
This approach marks Israel's initial steps to address the governance void following its incursion into Gaza, spurred by the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The endeavor has encountered challenges, including opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly concerning potential involvement from Fatah members. Despite this, there's significant pressure from both the US and Arab states on Israel to enhance humanitarian assistance to Gaza and clarify the future administrative structure post-conflict.
Critics within Israel and the Biden administration argue that a robust mechanism for aid distribution is crucial now more than ever, with a preference for it being associated with the Palestinian Authority or Fatah, given the current chaos across Gaza. The vision includes forming a local administrative authority devoid of Hamas influence to manage aid distribution effectively.
Hamas has responded to these plans with threats. The group has been excluded from formal aid distribution but perceives these developments as an attempt to establish a governance framework independent of its control.
Wealthy Gulf states have indicated unwillingness to finance security measures or reconstruction without an Israeli commitment to a Palestinian state, a concept Netanyahu opposes. High-profile Palestinians, including the Palestinian Authority's top intelligence official and notable businessmen, have been approached to participate in the plan, though not all have expressed willingness to be involved.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing humanitarian needs and diplomatic efforts to navigate the complex dynamics of governance, security, and aid in post-conflict Gaza.
Israel's initiative to establish a new mechanism for distributing aid in Gaza is motivated by concerns over ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need without being misappropriated by Hamas.
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