Germany has proposed that the United Nations take control of Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war, according to a document seen by POLITICO. However, both the Palestinians and some EU diplomats have expressed doubts about the feasibility of this idea. Israel has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza in response to an attack by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis. The Palestinian Authority reports that over 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. Discussions are ongoing about how to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and how to end the fighting. There are also discussions about post-war scenarios.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the Palestinian Authority should ultimately govern Gaza, but has not provided details on how to achieve this. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that his country will take overall security responsibility for Gaza indefinitely. However, the EU and the United States oppose this.
The German proposal, dated October 21, suggests five different scenarios for the future of Gaza, including Israeli re-occupation and either the Palestinian Authority or Egypt taking control. The UN scenario is also mentioned, which involves internationalizing Gaza under the UN's umbrella and transitioning towards Palestinian self-administration. The document acknowledges that this scenario would require significant political capital, financing, and international engagement on security issues.
The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has stressed that Israel cannot remain in Gaza after the war. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also mentioned the idea of an international peace force under UN mandate. Palestinian officials are unhappy with the German suggestion, as they believe Gaza should be placed under international protection, specifically at the borders, rather than under UN control. They also argue that discussions about the future of Gaza should not take place until a ceasefire is in effect.
In conclusion, the German proposal for the UN to take control of Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war has faced skepticism from Palestinians and some EU diplomats. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about humanitarian aid, ending the fighting, and potential post-war scenarios.