US-Israel plan for Gaza’s future results in lasting instability

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has taken a new turn with the revelation of a multi-step plan being formulated by top US officials. The plan, as reported by The Washington Post, does not provide a concrete end to Israel’s security presence in Gaza, raising concerns about the potential for an ongoing Israeli occupation of the Strip.

One key aspect of the plan is Israel’s finalized assault on Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge. This assault, described as a “more limited” operation, aims to minimize civilian casualties but has raised alarms about the humanitarian crisis it could exacerbate in Rafah.

Israeli forces have already launched an assault on Rafah earlier this month, seizing the crossing with Egypt and cutting off vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. Egypt has blamed Israeli operations for the closure of the crossing, further complicating the situation.

The plan also acknowledges that Hamas will continue to have a presence in Gaza, contrary to Israel’s objective of eradicating the group. This has led to criticism from experts like Adam Weinstein, who warns that a narrow military solution without a political resolution could lead to permanent instability.

The military strategy of Israel has come under scrutiny, with General Charles Brown criticizing the lack of gains in Gaza and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to stabilizing the region. Ceasefire talks, crucial for preventing a worsening humanitarian crisis, have seen little progress since Israel rejected a peace proposal earlier this month.

Qatar and Egypt, key mediators in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, have expressed frustration with the lack of progress, with talks at risk of stalling or collapsing altogether. The situation remains tense, with no clear path forward for a peaceful resolution.

As the conflict enters its eighth month, the toll on civilians in Gaza continues to mount, with thousands killed and infrastructure destroyed. Despite Israeli claims of degrading Hamas’s military capacity, Palestinian fighters remain active, posing a persistent threat to Israeli forces.

The reported plan for the “day after” in Gaza includes regular raids akin to those in the West Bank, raising concerns about a potential escalation of violence and instability. Experts warn that replicating the West Bank model in Gaza could set the stage for future conflict and unrest.

As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution becomes increasingly urgent. The international community, including the US, must work towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the safety and well-being of all those affected.