 "Palestinians walk near the rubble of buildings, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on February 27, 2025. Reuters")
As the administration of US President Donald Trump engages in discussions with Hamas to secure the release of hostages, three competing plans have surfaced to determine the post-war future of Gaza, which was devastated after a 15-month-long conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed groups.
These proposals, put forth by the US, Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid, and Egypt, present contrasting visions for the war-torn region’s governance and reconstruction.
Trump’s controversial takeover plan
Last month, President Trump proposed that the United States should take control of Gaza, with plans to rebuild and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” His vision includes the relocation of approximately two million Palestinian residents to neighbouring Jordan and Egypt.
However, this proposal has drawn widespread criticism from the international community. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres labelled the plan as “ethnic cleansing,” while Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, have strongly opposed any forced displacement of Palestinians, calling it “unacceptable.”
Palestinians fear that Trump’s proposal could lead to a repeat of the 1948 Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”), when hundreds of thousands were expelled or fled their homes following the creation of Israel. Today, 75% of Gaza’s population are descendants of those refugees, making their future a deeply sensitive issue.
Lapid’s plan for Egyptian peacekeepers
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has put forward an alternative approach that involves deploying Egyptian peacekeepers to oversee a transitional period in Gaza. This plan aims to maintain stability and pave the way for a more sustainable governance structure.
Lapid’s proposal aligns with Egypt’s broader $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has received backing from Arab leaders. His approach seeks to avoid forced displacement while ensuring that Hamas no longer maintains control over the region.
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More ShortsEgypt’s governance committee plan
Egypt has also introduced a plan centred on the formation of a temporary technocratic Palestinian administration to govern Gaza. Under this proposal, Hamas would cede power to an interim governing body until new Palestinian legislative elections can be held.
The Egyptian plan is focused on post-war stabilisation and reconstruction without displacing Gaza’s residents. It includes provisions for infrastructure development, temporary housing, and long-term governance solutions. Arab leaders view this as a viable alternative to Trump’s proposal, as it prioritises Palestinian self-rule and regional stability.
The road ahead
With three competing visions for Gaza’s future, the region’s post-war governance remains uncertain. Trump’s plan has faced international backlash, while Lapid and Egypt’s proposals have gained traction among Arab nations.
As discussions continue, the fate of Gaza will likely be shaped by negotiations between global and regional powers, with the Palestinian people at the heart of the debate.