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As Israel nears the end of its military operations in Gaza, the question of what will happen after the war is becoming more urgent. With nearly 1.9 million people displaced within Gaza, the international community is watching closely as Israel prepares for the post-conflict phase.
“There is no magical solution,” a security official told Fox News Digital, “But one thing everyone agrees on: the future of Gaza will depend on the policy of the new Trump administration.”
“We are waiting to see what his temperament will be,” said another security official, referring to Trump. “You cannot undermine the ‘Trump effect,'” said former Israeli military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin, “He is going to enable things that were not possible before, to increase pressure on Hamas.”
Yadlin, who is the CEO of the Israeli think tank Mind Israel, envisions Gaza’s future being shaped by Arab states. He said they have the necessary influence to stabilize Gaza, after Israel dismantled Hamas military infrastructure. “No one will rebuild Gaza while Hamas remains in control,” Yadlin told Fox News Digital. “Hamas can be a political party, based on acceptance of the Quartet conditions from 2017: acknowledging Israel and condemning terror,” he said.
The IDF said that it finished its operation in the Bani Suheila area of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, destroying infrastructure used by Hamas. (Israel Defense Forces)
One issue that Yadlin is more pragmatic about, and which is a red line for the current Israeli government, is the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza. Israeli officials have made it clear that the PA will not be involved in the post-Hamas governance of Gaza. “No scenario includes the Palestinian Authority,” one official said. “We see its inability in the West Bank and do not want to bring that capability to Gaza.”
This exclusion of the PA raises questions about Gaza’s future governance and the potential for political stability. While Israel favors a technocratic approach, it remains uncertain whether such a model can function without the involvement of the Palestinian Authority.
Foreign Affairs Minister of Bahrain Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Foreign Affairs Minister of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan participate in the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords on the South Lawn of the White House on September 15, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Witnessed by President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu signed a peace deal with the UAE and a declaration of intent to make peace with Bahrain. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
While the debate over the PA continues, the UAE has emerged as a key player in Gaza’s future, a role that is acceptable to all sides. The UAE’s willingness to engage in humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts has drawn attention, particularly as the region looks for alternatives to Hamas. “The UAE is the most relevant player in Gaza’s future,” one Israeli security official said. “They have the resources and the desire to contribute, but we are only talking about the civil aspects.”
While Israel welcomes the involvement of Arab countries in Gaza’s reconstruction, security remains a primary concern. Israel is determined to prevent a return to the pre-October 7 status quo, ensuring that Hamas does not regain control.