Blinken Contemplates Post-War Plan for Gaza Amidst Complex…

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is weighing a post-war plan for Gaza following potential ideas from Israel and the UAE, with a focus on possibly presenting it after the presidential election. U.S. officials express concerns about the plan marginalizing Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. As discussions progress, internal debates within the State Department intensify regarding the plan’s efficacy and the necessity for Palestinian involvement, amidst skepticism from Palestinian authorities about its legitimacy.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is contemplating a plan for post-war Gaza, influenced by proposals from Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expected to surface after the upcoming presidential election, according to U.S. officials. The proposal’s significance lies in its potential to reshape U.S. involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict while fostering relationships with regional partners. Numerous officials within the White House and the State Department express concern that the plan might sideline Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his administration—a notion supported by both Israel and the UAE in the short term. However, given the absence of any imminent agreements to liberate hostages from Hamas or to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, introducing a so-called “day-after” plan may represent a constructive path for the Biden administration amidst ongoing conflict. Interviews conducted by Axios with various officials from the United States, Israel, Palestine, and the UAE revealed divided opinions regarding the feasibility of a hostage release or ceasefire prior to the conclusion of the Biden administration. Hence, the Israeli-UAE framework may serve as a pragmatic “Plan B” to initiate negotiations and potential resolutions. Over recent months, discussions between U.S., Israeli, and Emirati officials have yielded multiple iterations of the plan, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also contributing to the dialogue. Notably, an interaction held in late September between U.S. officials—Blinken, UAEs Abdullah bin Zayed, and Israel’s Ron Dermer—has revitalized discussions regarding the proposal, with an emphasis on endorsing its framework post-November elections. A significant point of contention lies in the Emirati assertion that the plan should involve a temporary international mission to provide humanitarian support, restore order, and establish governance structures in Gaza, contingent on a formal invite from a reformed and empowered Palestinian Authority. This aspect raises further complexities, as Israel has expressed resistance toward the proposal’s implications for Palestinian governance and aspirations for a two-state solution. As negotiations progress, the UAE advocates for a prominent role of the Palestinian Authority in regional dynamics, but Israeli officials gradually display reluctance toward any immediate reinstatement or empowerment path for Abbas. Reports indicate internal discord within the State Department regarding the proposal’s viability; however, proponents within the administration indicate determination to incorporate diverse ideas leading to regional consensus. The Palestinian Authority remains skeptical, asserting that any governance maneuvers in Gaza could jeopardize broader Palestinian interests and unity, emphasizing that any leadership appointed externally, devoid of broader consensus, lacks legitimacy. Such dynamics underline the ongoing complexities in addressing the Gaza situation following conflict. A balanced approach that considers the contributions and voices of all stakeholders, particularly the Palestinian Authority, will be essential to cultivate sustainable progress and ensure regional stability.

The article discusses the contemplation of Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding a post-war plan for Gaza, driven by proposals from Israel and the United Arab Emirates. This endeavor emerges against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and stalled negotiations concerning hostages and ceasefire efforts in Gaza. The plan seeks to address the political dynamic between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, particularly in light of concerns over Abbas’s leadership. U.S. officials express mixed sentiments about the initiative, highlighting a struggle to achieve consensus within the Biden administration over the feasibility and implications of such a plan.

In summary, Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s deliberation on a post-war Gaza plan reflects a strategic effort to navigate the complex landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy. While the Israeli-Emirati framework presents a potential pathway to reestablish governance and stability in Gaza, considerable challenges persist regarding the inclusion and role of the Palestinian Authority. The ongoing discourse suggests a need for a thorough, comprehensive approach that acknowledges the diverse perspectives of all stakeholders while aspiring to achieve long-lasting peace and cooperation in the region.

Original Source: www.axios.com