Perspective 153 Is Trump's Gaza Plan the Only Option on the Table?

The spokesperson for the U.S. Dept. of State says that President Trump's Gaza proposal (evacuation and U.S. take-over) ”right now . . . is the only option on the table.” Is she correct?

Yes, in a sense. Trump’s harebrained hallucination has attracted widespread attention, if only to point out how remote it is from reality. But there is, at the moment, apparently, no serious discussion of what else might replace Hamas rule in Gaza.

And supposedly, in seven days from today (the end of week 5) negotiations over Phase 2 of the ceasefire were to be completed. But reportedly serious negotiations have not even begun.

Seven days might have sufficed for the creation of the world, but the conflict between Israel and Hamas is more complicated. Phase 2 promises the return of all living hostages, total Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire. At this point, it leaves open the question of who will control Gaza. If no other option is found, Hamas remains in charge.

Israeli control is obviously incompatible with total withdrawal. U.S. control, without “boots on the ground,” is delirium. The Palestine Authority (PA), everyone agrees, is two weak and corrupt to take over – even though it has announced its willingness to do so. This leaves the theoretical option of a “reformed and revitalized” PA, or an international force of some kind, perhaps with contributions from Arab states – but this isn’t going to happen in seven days.

The only benefit from Trump’s bombast was that Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab states now talk about putting together another plan, if only to block the expulsion of Gazans to their territories. It might be too little too late, but it could be the right direction.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has studiously avoided any plan for “the day after,” other than continued Israeli occupation – now supposedly off the table. He seems to be counting on the failure of Phase 2. He is now clinging to power with a margin of one or two seats in the Knesset, and the remaining far-right party in his coalition says it will desert him if fighting does not resume. What choice does poor Bibi have?

The Israeli public, on the other hand, recently expressed strong support (71% in favor) of the concept of a regional coalition that would bring Israel and Arab states (including Saudi Arabia) together in opposition to Iran. Though not stated explicitly, the survey question strongly implied establishment of a Palestinian state – a condition set by the Saudis.

The only positive news in recent days is a report, in an Egyptian source, that according to a Hamas source, Hamas is resigned to the fact that it will not be running Gaza after the dust settles at the end of Phase 2. That is a slender reed to cling to, but is all we have.

I’m not holding my breath.