Experts debate governance of Gaza without Hamas as Trump and Netanyahu meet

In the ongoing discussions about the future of Gaza, experts have raised critical questions regarding governance in the absence of Hamas. The situation is particularly complex; current opinions underscore that, while there is a clear need for an alternative to Hamas, many proposed solutions face significant structural, political, and security limitations. John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, highlighted the necessity of simultaneous dismantling of Hamas while developing alternative governance. He suggested that the Palestinian Authority could be involved but noted its limited capacity to exercise control. One key challenge is Israeli approval for any new administration in Gaza. According to Israeli security officials, any potential deal would need to include robust guarantees that Israel would retain counterterrorism access to ensure Hamas cannot reemerge. Furthermore, many stakeholders believe that the United States must be diplomatically central to any agreement to facilitate governance discussions. President Trump, reportedly keen to solve the issue, envisions proactive U.S. involvement in these negotiations. A significant impediment lies in unlikely Arab involvement without the definitive defeat of Hamas, as they lack the motivation to engage in Gaza without such a step. As Hannah pointed out, for Arab states to consider a role, a reshaping of the power dynamics is vital. The United Nations might play a supporting role by endorsing a U.S.-Arab-Israeli plan through a Security Council resolution, although it is unlikely to take an operational part in these developments. In Gaza, there exists a group of educated, civically-minded individuals who may assist in managing essential services if vetted properly. While some local leaders like Yasser Abu Shabab are seen as viable candidates for governance, the feasibility of establishing a credible management system without reinstating violence remains uncertain. Thus, the question of what Gaza would resemble without Hamas is not merely about transitioning power but also about creating stable governance structures amid intricate geopolitical currents. Overall, the discussion hinges on a delicate balance of local dynamics, external influences, and the overarching goal of establishing peace in the region.