Since the terrorist attack by Hamas and the start of the war in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, Israel has categorically ruled out any administrative role for the Palestinian organization in Gaza after the end of hostilities. On the other hand, Hamas rejects any form of Israeli rule in the Palestinian territories. The impasse is further complicated by the fact that the Arab countries of the region consider it necessary to involve the two warring parties on the road to a two-state solution.

Earlier this week Israeli War Minister Benny Gantz set a June 8 deadline for Prime Minister Netanyahu to get his own post-war Gaza action plan approved by the Israeli cabinet. According to the Israeli minister, the plan envisages the achievement of six goals, including the return of the hostages, the end of Hamas’ rule in Gaza, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the security control of Gaza by Israel. It also envisions the creation of an international political governance mechanism for Gaza that would include US, European, Arab and Palestinian groups along with Israeli security forces, expressly excluding Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Neil Culliam of the Middle East and North Africa Program at London-based think tank Chatham House tells DW: “Israel will not allow an administration in Gaza without maintaining a strong advanced military presence in its interior”.

The normalization of Israel-Saudi Arabia relations is on ice

Meanwhile Saudi Arabia, which was in the process of normalizing bilateral relations with Israel until the October 7 Hamas attack, agreed to a first draft of broad security deals between Riyadh and Washington, which include “upgrading » of Saudi Arabia and Israel relations.

A statement released Sunday after a meeting between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the need for a “credible path on the Palestinian issue.”

ECFR Middle East expert Hugh Lovatt told DW: “So far the Israeli government has refused to offer even the bare minimum that Saudi Arabia would demand for a deal. Like, for example, committing to talks with the ultimate goal of a future Palestinian state.”

The expert of the European Council on Foreign Relations considers the proposal for a multinational force under the supervision of the UN to be the most realistic plan for the stabilization of Gaza after the cease-fire, if, as he emphasizes, it is combined with a new diplomatic course in favor of Palestinian self-determination . He even estimates that: “In a way, this leads to the complete regional integration of Israel. Even if significant obstacles remain, this is an important starting point for a future dialogue.”

Editor: Stefanos Georgakopoulos