The Hebrew Channel 12 revealed on Monday evening details of a new US proposal presented by President Joe Biden's administration to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas regarding the management of Gaza after the Isreal genocide in Gaza. The proposal aims to restructure the Palestinian Authority (PA), establish a temporary administration for Gaza, and provide financial and political support from Arab countries.
The American document, described as an "informal paper," was presented by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf during a meeting with President Abbas in Ramallah. The proposal focuses on a transitional period to stabilize Gaza politically and economically.
The plan suggests establishing a transitional civil administration in Gaza with the support of the Palestinian Authority and international partners. This administration would lay the groundwork for the reconstruction of Gaza and provide essential services such as water, energy, trade, and healthcare.
Furthermore, an interim executive council, including Palestinian representatives from Gaza, would be formed to oversee governance during the transitional phase.
The proposal highlights the need to reform and rebuild the PA's institutions to enable it to manage Gaza effectively. Essential ministries such as water, banking, trade, and energy would be reinstated in Gaza.
This new proposal aims to create a new security force unaffiliated with Hamas, which would be established and trained with the support of Arab nations. This force would maintain law and order in Gaza during and after the transitional period.
To secure borders and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, the proposal includes the establishment of a temporary multinational force in coordination with the Palestinian Authority. This force would involve regional and international partners to ensure stability.
The plan emphasizes the importance of significant financial aid to support the PA during the transition. Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, are expected to provide monthly financial assistance to the PA's budget in Ramallah.
A dedicated international fund would be created to finance Gaza’s reconstruction, with Israel transferring collected tax revenues (customs clearance funds) to the PA. An international donor conference would also be convened to secure additional financial and political commitments.
The proposal requires Israel to refrain from actions in the West Bank that could hinder efforts to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Palestinian national struggle. Israel must also adhere to the status quo in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and commitments made under the Sharm El-Sheikh and Aqaba agreements.
A key aspect of the proposal is the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under a single Palestinian government, with a unified security system and legal framework. This is seen as a preliminary step toward establishing a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
President Abbas has not yet issued an official response to the proposal. However, reports from Hebrew media indicate that close aides to Abbas have expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the plan "does not align with the leadership's aspirations."
Hamas has yet to comment officially on the proposal but has historically opposed any arrangements aiming to diminish its influence in the strip.
The proposal outlines a key role for the United Nations and its agencies in managing humanitarian aid and essential services in Gaza during the transition. The document explicitly states that international aid will not be directed to Hamas or any affiliated entities.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its support of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza. Simultaneously, the administration has proposed new plans for Gaza's future governance. This dual approach is contradictory, as it involves backing military operations while also advocating for political solutions.
Image caption: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Source: Reuters