President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to convene at the White House, with a significant focus on what Gaza could look like in a post-Hamas environment. Experts underline the pressing need for an alternative governance structure as the dismantling of Hamas is discussed. John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, emphasized that establishing a credible alternative to Hamas must proceed alongside its elimination. The envisioned solution involves creating a non-Hamas technocratic government composed of Palestinians separate from both Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), supported by a coalition of key Arab states like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE.
To enhance the legitimacy of this new administration, a symbolic link to the Palestinian Authority (PA) may be beneficial, possibly facilitating financial support while allowing the PA minimal control. Ghaith al-Omari, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, pointed out that the current reality almost guarantees Hamas’s dominance if a new governance structure isn’t established. He reiterated that Arab states’ involvement hinges on defeating Hamas, not merely achieving a ceasefire. The PA could provide a “kosher stamp” to satisfy these Arab entities, as they require a Palestinian national umbrella to be engaged meaningfully in Gaza. The formation of a political framework that commits to a two-state solution is vital for incentives for Arab states to get involved.
One of the pressing challenges is securing Israeli approval for any new governing body in Gaza. An Israeli security official noted the necessity of guarantees that Israel maintains counterterrorism capabilities to prevent Hamas from regaining strength. This includes provisions akin to those in the West Bank, such as buffer zones and security rights for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Intensive diplomacy led by the U.S. is seen as crucial for navigating these complex relationships, given the deep-rooted rivalries within the Arab world. Hannah affirmed that only the U.S. has the requisite relationships and influence to facilitate necessary dialogues among Israel, Arab nations, and international stakeholders, while Trump remains keen on resolving the issue.
Hannah also cautioned about Qatar’s role, as their relationship with Hamas complicates their potential contributions. If Qatar aims to participate in rebuilding Gaza, it must adhere to strict guidelines where financial aid flows through monitored channels. The United Nations appears largely sidelined in this discourse, with many believing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) can no longer effectively manage Gaza’s educational and economic needs. Instead, Hannah posits that any U.N. involvement would likely be limited to endorsing U.S.-Arab-Israeli initiatives rather than being operationally engaged.
Another emerging proposal suggests empowering local clans to establish self-governing areas within Gaza. Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, advocates for a pilot program allowing local governance in specific enclaves while the IDF ensures external security. He believes there is an undercurrent of educated, civic-minded individuals ready to take on administrative roles, provided they are effectively screened. Notable figures, such as Yasser Abu Shabab, represent potential local leadership capable of challenging Hamas’s authority. However, Braude’s optimism is met with skepticism.
Critics argue that while clan-based governance might provide localized solutions, most of these factions lack legitimacy and organizational cohesion for broader governance. Dr. Michael Milstein from Tel Aviv University reiterated that past attempts to elevate clans as serious alternatives to Hamas have failed, as seen with the Doghmush clan’s leaders executed by Hamas in 2024. This reality underscores that Hamas still retains substantial control in Gaza, making the formation of a united, legitimate alternative daunting. The road to peace lies not just in governance but in fostering a sense of self-love and identity among Palestinians, a challenge that remains pressing and significant.
