In a speech at the Atlantic Council in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlined the core elements of the plan for Gaza following the end of the ongoing war, which aims to set the foundation for long-term peace. The Biden administration is preparing to hand over the plan to President-elect Donald Trump’s team, as the new administration is set to take office on January 20, reports Al Jazeera.
Blinken emphasized the goal of ending the Gaza conflict in a manner that ensures the security of Israel and the establishment of a Palestinian state, acknowledging that it would be crucial to prevent Hamas from maintaining control over Gaza.
“We aim to ensure that Gaza, under Hamas, never again poses a constant threat to Israel,” Blinken stated. “Our plan for Gaza’s future will involve the creation of a new body to manage the region after the war’s conclusion, followed by a transition of power to a reformed Palestinian Authority, with a temporary role for the United Nations and international actors.”
The plan includes provisions to ensure Hamas does not govern Gaza. Blinken also stressed that no agreement should compromise Israel’s security, particularly by permitting Hamas or similar organizations to have control.
Prisoner Exchange Deal Nearing Completion
Regarding the ongoing prisoner exchange talks in Gaza, Blinken noted that a deal was close, contingent on Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire and finalizing the prisoner exchange. He revealed that Egypt and Qatar had reached a final proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, and the next step awaited Hamas’s approval.
Blinken pointed out that Hamas had recruited approximately the same number of fighters as it had lost during the conflict.
Regional Security Efforts
Addressing broader regional concerns, Blinken emphasized that President Joe Biden had acted swiftly to prevent the conflict from escalating into a regional war. One of the key goals was to curb Hezbollah’s potential threat to Israel. He noted that Hezbollah forces had withdrawn north of the Litani River, and Iran had lost its land route for supplying weapons to the group.
Blinken’s remarks underscored the ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring stability to the Middle East and prevent the spread of violence beyond Gaza.
Key Developments:
- Blinken’s plan for Gaza includes the transfer of authority to the Palestinian Authority, with international involvement.
- A prisoner exchange deal is imminent, contingent on Hamas’s acceptance.
- Efforts to prevent Hezbollah from threatening Israel continue with successful diplomatic actions.
This marks a crucial moment for peace efforts in Gaza and the broader Middle East, with diplomatic moves poised to reshape the region’s security landscape.
