Palestinians, who fled the eastern part of Khan Younis after they were ordered by Israeli army to evacuate their neighborhoods, ride on a vehicle loaded with belongings, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip July 2, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
Israel has proposed a post-war plan for Gaza that involves collaborating with influential local families to administer the region. However, this plan faces significant challenges. In an environment where Hamas maintains a strong and ruthless presence, these families are hesitant to engage with Israel, fearing retribution from Hamas.
Israel is under considerable pressure from Washington to cease the loss of life and conclude its military operations after nearly nine months. Nonetheless, Israel is determined to prevent Hamas from retaining control of Gaza post-conflict. Thus, Israeli officials are strategizing for a post-war scenario that excludes Hamas from governance.
A key element of this strategy, as articulated by Israeli officials, involves establishing an alternative civil administration composed of local Palestinian figures who are not currently part of the existing power structures and who are willing to cooperate with Israel. Despite this, leading local families in Gaza, who are seen as potential candidates for such a role, have shown reluctance. Conversations with members of major families reveal their unwillingness to participate due to fears of retaliation from Hamas, which continues to enforce its authority on Gaza’s streets.
Hamas representatives have issued stark warnings against any cooperation with Israel. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run government media office in Gaza, indicated that cooperating with Israel could be fatal for the heads of powerful families.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged these difficulties, noting that previous attempts by the defense ministry to reach out to Gaza clans have been thwarted by Hamas. Although a new plan has been mentioned, details remain undisclosed. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the need for local Palestinian governance in Gaza, excluding both Israel and Hamas.
While efforts to engage local clans have been modest and focused on practical issues such as aid delivery, there has been a general reluctance among clan leaders to engage with Israeli officials. The hesitance is fueled by anger over Israel’s military actions, which have resulted in significant casualties and destruction.
Gaza’s powerful families, who derive their influence from business control and extensive familial networks, have retained some autonomy despite Hamas’s efforts to curtail their power since 2007. Historically, these families played a significant role under British colonial rule and continue to wield considerable influence.
Israel’s broader plan for post-war Gaza includes bringing in external security forces, seeking international aid for reconstruction, and pursuing a long-term peace settlement. However, the plan faces obstacles, including the need for Arab state support, which is contingent on Israel agreeing to a timeline for a Palestinian state – something Netanyahu resists.
Washington has been advocating for reforms to strengthen the Palestinian Authority (PA) and prepare it to govern Gaza, though support for the PA among Gazans is weak. U.S. officials suggest that Netanyahu may have no alternative but to eventually hand over security to the PA, despite his reservations.
In the meantime, Hamas continues to exert influence, with operatives enforcing their authority and controlling aid shipments. While some Gazans blame Hamas for the conflict, others have grown more radicalized and supportive of the group due to the ongoing Israeli offensive.
Israel has yet to finalize a concrete post-war governance and security plan for Gaza. Various ideas are being considered, but no definitive approach has been settled upon.
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