JERUSALEM (AP) – Amid the persistent conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a plan for the future of Gaza post-Hamas. The plan includes proposals for the demilitarization of the enclave, security measures, and an overhaul of Gaza’s civil administration and education systems.
According to the details obtained by media outlets, the plan calls for the “complete demilitarization” of Gaza, along with the closure of the territory’s southern border with Egypt. Netanyahu also outlined changes on the security and civil levels and addressed long-term governance plans for the territory.
The unveiling of the plan comes as Israel sent a negotiating team to Paris to pursue talks over a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, with over 29,000 people killed in Gaza and 1,200 in Israel, according to authorities.
The proposed plan also aims to establish control over entry and exit from the enclave, cooperating with Egypt and the United States. Additionally, there are provisions for changes in the civil administration and education systems, including the apparent discontinuation of funding from certain sources and a focus on “de-radicalization” in the education system.
Netanyahu’s plan also addresses the issue of international recognition of a Palestinian state, asserting Israel’s rejection of external dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. The plan’s insistence on Israel’s control over the entire area west of the Jordan River, which includes the West Bank and Israel, further emphasizes the government’s stance on the matter.
As the conflict persists, the presentation of this plan by Netanyahu adds a new dimension to the discussion around the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The potential implications of these proposals and their reception by various stakeholders will be key factors to monitor in the ongoing developments in the region.