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A "Reconstruction for Demilitarization" Plan for Gaza

(National Interest) Dennis Ross and Assaf Orion - President Trump transformed the general thinking about Gaza and the day after with his call for Palestinians to be relocated. But it is a call that runs counter to the prevailing narrative among Palestinians and Arabs who fear that temporary relocation will lead to inducing Palestinians to leave their homeland permanently. President Trump put his finger on a real issue. So long as Hamas is controlling Gaza, there will be no reconstruction and no calm. Investment in Gaza will simply not be forthcoming so long as Hamas retains power. Donors and investors know Hamas will divert materials, try to reconstitute itself, and, even if it takes years, prepare to launch attacks against Israel again. Who will invest knowing that destruction is again guaranteed? Gaza can be rebuilt around the principles of "reconstruction for demilitarization" and Hamas's removal from power. Palestinians who would like to leave should be able to do so. With 100,000 already in Egypt, that is already happening. For most Gazans, the approach should not be about forced relocation outside of Gaza but movement to zones in Gaza where real needs would be addressed. Egypt and a number of Arab states are now constructing a plan for Gaza that will remain hazy about Hamas, implying that Hamas will be out of government but not necessarily out of influence. It should come as no surprise that no Arab state wants to put forces into Gaza to fight Hamas. But for their plan to be credible, it must ensure that Hamas cannot rebuild itself militarily. Our approach would divide Gaza into four functional zones: areas where armed Hamas are still present; safe humanitarian havens where aid and services are provided under Arab guardianship; areas for reconstruction, potentially controlled by the U.S. and/or Arab countries; and areas ready for repopulating. The first two areas will be cordoned and cleared of terrorists, arms, and tunnels. Hamas leaders and fighters will have the option to surrender or go into exile before the IDF clears these areas. Amb. Dennis Ross, counselor at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, served as special assistant to President Obama and Middle East Envoy to President Clinton. IDF Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Assaf Orion is an International Fellow with the Washington Institute.
2025-03-02 00:00:00
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