Gaza security and governance plans face diplomatic and domestic challenges

Developments regarding the future of the Gaza Strip involve both diplomatic proposals and domestic Israeli sentiment. Nickolay Mladenov, the Gaza High Representative on the Board of Peace, warned during a UN Security Council session that a collapse of the current ceasefire could lead to a “point of no return,” leaving nothing left to rebuild.

Mladenov announced that Hamas and other armed factions have reportedly agreed to disarm and transfer civilian and security governance to a UN-recognized transitional authority. The proposed roadmap includes the demilitarization of the Strip, reconstruction efforts, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal tied to disarmament progress.

Simultaneously, a survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute indicates significant domestic support for continued military presence. Among Jewish respondents, 72% would not agree to an IDF withdrawal to pre-October 7, 2023, borders without a security perimeter inside Gaza. Furthermore, 55% of Jewish respondents indicated they might agree to Israel occupying and administering the entire Gaza Strip through the IDF for several years.