Despite the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, the question of who will govern Gaza post-conflict remains unanswered. The deal, which includes a hostage-for-prisoner exchange, does not address the region’s future leadership, leaving unresolved tensions.
Both Israel and the US oppose any scenario where Hamas regains control of Gaza, yet no clear alternative has been outlined. The US has pushed for a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) to assume governance, but the PA, weakened by corruption and dwindling popularity, faces challenges to its legitimacy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed proposals such as interim Arab coalitions or international oversight. His government remains divided on post-war strategies, with options ranging from prolonged military control to a PA-led administration. Meanwhile, Hamas, though weakened, still exerts significant influence and is likely to seek a role in governance.
The uncertainty surrounding Gaza’s leadership fuels concerns of prolonged instability. With Israel’s planned troop withdrawals set to begin within 60 days, the region’s governance remains a pressing and unresolved issue. The future depends on compromises from Israel, international actors, and Palestinian factions, none of which seem forthcoming.
