Report: Israel, Hamas Open to 'Interim Governance' in Gaza

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Facts

  • Citing unnamed US officials, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have both signaled their acceptance of an 'interim governance' plan that would see 2.5K US-trained Palestinian Authority (PA) supporters vetted by Israel effectively take power in Gaza.1
  • The transition would reportedly occur during the second phase of the three-phase proposal outlined by US Pres. Joe Biden last month and approved by the UN Security Council. Neither Israel nor Hamas have commented on the report.2
  • However, Hamas said on Thursday that mediators haven't yet provided the group with updates on cease-fire negotiations — accusing Israel of 'procrastination' to buy time and thwart the latest round of the talks currently underway in Qatar.3
  • Separately, an Israeli security delegation is in Egypt to discuss ways to reopen the Rafah crossing while preventing weapons from being smuggled into Gaza. An Israeli official said that the talks aren't part of the negotiations with Hamas, only including Egypt and the US.4
  • Meanwhile, fighting in northern Gaza has raged as Israeli forces push into Gaza City for a second time. Israeli troops withdrew from the eastern suburb of Shejaia, with some residents returning to the largely destroyed area, as they reportedly focused on the neighborhoods of Tel al-Hawa and Sabra.5
  • As the fighting continues, a US official said that Washington will resume shipping 500-pound bombs to Israel but will continue to withhold 2K-pound bombs over concerns about their use in densely populated areas of Gaza. Israel has continued to receive US weaponry, excluding one shipment.6

Sources: 1Washington Post, 2Timesofisrael (a), 3Al Jazeera, 4Timesofisrael (b), 5Reuters and 6Guardian.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Ft. A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
  • Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. Israel wants to make a deal and get its hostages back, but it can't allow Hamas to stay in power. If Hamas is allowed to remain in power in Gaza, the group will immediately begin planning the next Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Though there are pressures at home and abroad to end the war prematurely, Israel must do what is best for its citizens.
  • Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Al Jazeera. Though Israel's war on Gaza must end as soon as possible, it's clear that Israel wants to occupy the strip indefinitely. Israel has failed miserably at defeating Hamas, as it continues to re-emerge in areas Israel has deemed 'cleared.' Indeed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political ambitions incentivize him to perpetuate this genocidal campaign as long as possible.

Predictions