US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed detailed plans for post-war Gaza during a speech at the Atlantic Council. He emphasized the importance of preventing a power vacuum in the devastated region.
Blinken outlined the 'core elements' of the plans, which involve 'hard decisions' from all parties, including reforms by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and eventual acceptance by the Israeli government of PA rule over a unified Palestinian state.
In the immediate aftermath of the conflict, Blinken proposed that the Palestinian Authority should seek international assistance to establish and manage an interim administration responsible for key civil sectors in Gaza, such as banking, water, energy, health, and civil coordination with Israel.
The interim administration would comprise Palestinians from Gaza and PA members, with a transition plan to hand over full responsibility to a reformed PA administration as soon as feasible. Blinken also suggested close collaboration with a senior UN official to oversee international stabilization and recovery efforts.
Furthermore, Blinken recommended the formation of an interim security mission consisting of partner nation security forces and vetted Palestinian personnel. This mission would focus on creating a secure environment for humanitarian and reconstruction activities, as well as ensuring border security to prevent smuggling that could aid Hamas in rebuilding its military capabilities.
While Blinken's term as Secretary of State is ending, he indicated that the plans would be passed on to the incoming administration, although it remains uncertain whether they will be implemented.
