Israeli Defence Minister reveals post-war Gaza plan amid ongoing conflict
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant outlined a post-war administration plan for Gaza, rejecting governance by both Israel and Hamas while ruling out future Jewish settlements. The proposal, yet to be adopted by Israel’s war cabinet, comes as the military reports deadly overnight strikes in the region.
Gallant’s plan, disclosed on Thursday, precedes US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s fourth visit to the region since the war triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with calls for a ceasefire after nearly three months of intense fighting and widespread devastation.
The Gaza Strip, under Hamas rule, has witnessed extensive destruction, a surge in civilian casualties, and a looming humanitarian crisis. Israeli forces continued bombings in southern areas, reporting over 100 targets struck in the past 24 hours.
Gallant’s proposal outlines that the war will persist until Hamas’s military capabilities are dismantled, and hostages taken on October 7 are safely returned. Following Israel’s objectives, Palestinian civil committees are expected to assume governance, with a condition of no hostile actions against Israel.
As the conflict has resulted in significant displacement and deteriorating conditions for Gaza’s civilians, international concern grows. UNRWA reports overwhelming conditions in the southern border city of Rafah, highlighting a collapse in health conditions and the spread of disease.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to discuss immediate measures to substantially increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza during his visit. Aid delivery to the besieged territory has slowed, despite a UN Security Council demand for safe and unhindered assistance.
Gallant’s proposal emphasizes no Israeli civilian presence in Gaza, while maintaining Israel’s right to operate inside the territory. The conflict’s impact raises regional tensions, with recent strikes in Lebanon threatening wider repercussions.
