Nine months after the ceasefire in Gaza took effect, and despite the risk of renewed fighting, the relevant parties are moving forward with their plans for the post-war phase in the devastated Palestinian enclave after two years of conflict.

Plans for administration, security, and humanitarian relief are beginning to take shape, but they remain largely theoretical as progress toward a political agreement, reliable security guarantees, and sustainable funding stalls.

Below are some of the key challenges facing local and international stakeholders as they seek to rebuild the devastated sector, home to more than two million Palestinians.

Security: Announced plans without actual implementation

Security is a critical element in any scenario addressing the post-war phase in Gaza, which erupted after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel demands the disarmament of the movement, which the latter rejects unless a comprehensive solution is reached, a Palestinian Authority is established in Gaza, and the Israeli army begins to withdraw.

Nevertheless, a official from the "Peace Council"—established by U.S. President Donald Trump after mediating the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel last October—said disarmament is no longer a prerequisite for progress on the ground.

While noting that the council is working to establish a pilot "humanitarian zone," he explained that "the entire plan is based on the most pessimistic scenario," which is Hamas's refusal to disarm.

The official told AFP: "We haven't made progress in negotiations, but we are moving forward anyway."

In this context, he noted that four countries (Morocco, Kosovo, Albania, Kazakhstan) are currently seriously committed to one of the planned projects: establishing an International Stabilization Force (ISF), a body operating under the Peace Council's umbrella to maintain order in the sector.

One of the logistics bases on the Israeli side near the Kerem Shalom crossing between Gaza and Israel is "nearly complete" and will be able to accommodate about 500 troops before their potential deployment.

However, the methods of intervention for this force on the ground still need to be defined.

In parallel, preparations continue for the establishment of a Palestinian police force, with approximately 20,000 applications received, according to the same source.

But a diplomatic source told AFP that training courses have not yet begun, while Israel rejects the current lists of recruits, considering a force of 5,000 police officers too large.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 2:03

Loaded: 0.00%

Remaining Time 2:03

Reconstruction: Many needs, little progress

Humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip remain immense. UN estimates indicate that reconstruction will take many years and require tens of billions of dollars, while construction materials and rubble removal equipment are insufficient, according to international organizations operating on the ground.

Despite large pledges of donations, a significant portion of the expected funding has not yet been disbursed, according to the "Peace Council."

The council official told AFP: "The funding we have meets our immediate needs," adding that if other 'humanitarian zones' are planned, "we will need more funding."

Earlier this week, this official said the council is currently planning to establish a pilot humanitarian zone in Rafah, southern Gaza, aimed at accommodating tens of thousands of civilians who will undergo security screening procedures.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 3:06

Loaded: 0.00%

Remaining Time 3:06

Government: Institutions exist... theoretically

Hamas announced the dissolution of the "Governmental Work Committee" that had been running the Gaza Strip since 2007, when it seized control of the sector after armed clashes with Fatah.

With the dissolution decision, these responsibilities were transferred to the National Committee for the Management of Gaza (NCAG), a body comprising independent Palestinian technocrats formed by the "Peace Council," which is supposed to manage the sector during the transitional phase.

A Hamas official told AFP that officials in Gaza's ministries have already begun coordinating the transfer process with the committee.

But the National Committee for the Management of Gaza, which is temporarily based in Cairo, has not yet been able to enter the sector. Palestinian and diplomatic sources say Israel is preventing its members from entering.

While this body is presented as temporary, many European and Arab officials insist on the need for a broader political framework involving existing Palestinian institutions.

European representatives met with the National Committee for the Management of Gaza to discuss resuming public services and reconstruction. They prefer this to be done in coordination with the Palestinian Authority.

Moreover, observers point to the risks of creating an administration that runs public services without having authority over security agencies or border control, which could weaken its position against Hamas if the latter retains its weapons.

Advertorial

Advertorial