Vantage | What happens to Gaza after the war?

As the conflict in Gaza rages on, the spotlight turns to the uncertain future that awaits the region once the dust settles. Amidst the destruction and chaos, one burning question emerges: Will Hamas remain a key player in the post-war landscape?

“Any arrangement in Gaza or in the Palestinian cause without Hamas or the resistance factions is a delusion. I say that any bet on arrangements in Gaza or in the Palestinian cause in general without Hamas and the resistance factions is an illusion and a mirage,” said Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in a recorded soundbite in Doha. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents a starkly contrasting view. “We’re continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there,” said Prime Minister Netanyahu. Targeting a Hamas-free Gaza Prime Minister Netanyahu’s insistence on a Gaza free of Hamas raises crucial questions about the potential strategies Israel might employ. The contradictory nature of the statements from both sides prompts speculation about the feasibility of a comprehensive post-war plan. In one scenario, based on Haniyeh’s assertion there is a possibility that Hamas maintains its presence in Gaza. Although Haniyeh cliams that any arrangement without Hamas is an illusion suggests a scenario where the organisation continues to play a significant role, however, the challenges lies in reconciling the fact with Israel’s firm commitment to eradicating Hamas. Rumours are circulating about Israel’s alleged plan to push Gazans into Egypt’s Sinai Desert, effectively emptying the strip of its population. While Israel denies such allegations, political tensions with Egypt and Jordan add complexity to this potential scenario. “What we see in Gaza is not simply the killing of innocent people, the destruction of their livelihoods, but we are seeing a systematic effort that seems to empty Gaza from its people,” said Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi. However, Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy, responding to question about Jordanian foreign minister saying israel was undertaking a “systematic effort to empty gaza of its people”, “These are, of course, outrageous and false accusations. Israel is fighting to defend itself from the monsters who perpetrated the October 7th massacre. And the purpose of our campaign is to bring those monsters to justice and ensure that they can never again hurt our people.” There are also hints from Israel about creating a buffer zone between Gaza and Israel, monitored by an unspecified entity, introducing another layer of complexity. The rejection of this proposal by Qatar and the reluctance of Arab states to put boots on the ground further complicate the potential for a peacekeeping arrangement. Quandary of post-War Gaza With thousands dead and countless more suffering in Gaza, the urgency for a resolution intensifies. The lack of a clear post-war plan from Israel, coupled with the conflicting visions presented by Hamas and the international community, leaves the fate of Gaza hanging in the balance. As airstrikes continue and ground operations unfold, the toll on civilians escalates. The strategic flooding of Hamas tunnels by Israel raises ethical concerns with reports suggesting the possibility of hostages trapped within. The unpredictable nature of the conflict underscores the challenges of formulating a comprehensive post-war strategy. In essence, the future of Gaza remains shrouded in uncertainty with no consensus among key stakeholders. As the world watches the tragedy unfold, the pressing need for a viable post-war plan becomes increasingly evident. Until then, the fate of Gaza and its people hangs in the balance caught in the crossfire of geopolitical complexities and conflicting agendas. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.