US, 'Israel' discuss potential US-led administration in Gaza: Reuters
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The US and "Israel" have held early talks about a potential US-led transitional administration in post-war Gaza, similar to the Iraq-era Coalition Provisional Authority.
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Palestinians sift through destroyed shelters at a UNRWA school housing displaced people, following an Israeli strike in the Bureij refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip, on May 7, 2025 (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)
The United States and "Israel" have held preliminary talks regarding Washington overseeing a transitional post-war government in Gaza, according to five sources familiar with the discussions, Reuters reported.
According to the sources, these "high-level" conversations have centered on establishing a transitional governing body led by a US official to run Gaza during a time of demilitarization and stability until a genuine Palestinian government can take control.
While no specific schedule has been established, the duration of a prospective US-led government would be determined by the situation on the ground, they noted.
Some have compared the idea, which is still in its early stages, to the Coalition Provisional Authority formed by the United States to rule Iraq following the 2003 invasion of the country and the fall of Saddam Hussein.
Sources indicated that other nations may be invited to join the proposed US-led authority in Gaza, though they did not specify which countries might be involved. However, they emphasized that discussions remain preliminary and have not yet reached the stage of assigning key responsibilities or roles.
US reaffirms 'stands with Israel'
It also remains unclear which party initially proposed the idea, as the sources declined to reveal further details about the nature or origin of the talks.
When approached by Reuters, a US State Department official refused to confirm whether discussions with "Israel" regarding a US-led interim administration in Gaza had taken place, citing the confidential nature of ongoing deliberations. The official reiterated, “The pillars of our approach remain resolute: stand with Israel, stand for peace.”
In an April interview, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar proposed a post-war transitional period in Gaza overseen by an international board of trustees, including what he called "moderate Arab countries," with Palestinians operating under their supervision, claiming that "Israel" is focused on security, not governance.
Hamas rejected the idea, insisting that Gaza’s leadership should be chosen by its own people, not imposed by foreign powers.
A US-led interim authority in Gaza would deepen Washington's involvement in the war and be the country's largest Middle East action since the war on Iraq.
Two sources divulged that such a move would face tremendous opposition from both allies and rivals in the Middle East if Washington were regarded as an occupying force in Gaza.
The UAE, which established diplomatic ties with "Israel" in 2020, has offered to have an international coalition supervise Gaza's post-war government. Abu Dhabi's cooperation was contingent on the inclusion of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and a viable road to Palestinian statehood.
'Israel' rejects temporary truce, plans to escalate action in Gaza
The news comes as Netanyahu announced Monday that "Israel" would intensify its operations in Gaza and attempt the forcible transfer of the residents of Gaza.
On Friday, the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that "Israel insists on expanding its military operations" in the Palestinian enclave.
The newspaper added that "Israel" "informed mediators of its rejection of the proposed ceasefire in Gaza and its withdrawal from the conditions that had been agreed upon in recent days."
According to Israel Hayom, "Israel expressed its desire to maintain its military presence inside the Strip until the end of the year and to expand the scope of its military operation."
