The prospect of establishing a US-led provisional administration in Gaza has emerged in discussions between American and Israeli officials, Reuters has learned from five sources familiar with the matter. This concept would involve appointing Palestinian technocrats under American supervision while purposely excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Reuters reported that, according to these sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, the administration would operate without a predetermined timeframe, with its duration dependent on ground conditions. The arrangement bears similarities to the Coalition Provisional Authority Washington created in Iraq following Saddam Hussein's overthrow in 2003.
Foreign diplomats and former Israeli officials briefed on these discussions told Reuters that Israeli authorities have simultaneously explored additional proposals for Gaza's future. These alternatives encompass limiting rebuilding to specified security areas, territorial division, and constructing enduring military installations.
"We're not looking to control the civil life of the people in Gaza. Our sole interest in the Gaza Strip is security," Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated during an April conversation with Sky News Arabia.
Ismail Al-Thawabta, a Hamas official, dismissed the concept of any US or foreign-led governance structure, asserting that "the Palestinian people of Gaza should choose their own rulers." Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority representatives did not respond when Reuters sought comment.
Security specialists consulted by Reuters highlight significant hazards associated with potential American leadership in Gaza. Such involvement would represent Washington's most substantial Middle Eastern intervention since Iraq and could potentially trigger opposition from both regional allies and adversaries if the US were perceived as an occupying force, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.
The United Arab Emirates has presented an alternative framework to both the US and Israel, suggesting an international coalition oversee post-conflict Gaza governance. Reuters noted that Abu Dhabi has made its participation conditional upon including the Western-backed PA and establishing a credible pathway toward Palestinian statehood. UAE foreign ministry officials declined to indicate whether they would endorse a US-directed administration that excluded the Palestinian Authority.
Israeli leadership firmly opposes Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza governance, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the organization of anti-Israeli positions.
These conversations remain preliminary, with no agreement yet reached or core leadership roles considered, according to five sources who spoke with Reuters. These individuals declined to specify which side originated the proposal or provide additional details about the discussions.
