Talks underway for potential US-led administration of post-war Gaza: report

First, there was the bizarre statue video posted to Donald Trump’s socials. Now, it appears the US President is a step closer to his goal for “peace”.

The United States and Israel have held high-level talks about the possibility of Washington leading a temporary post-war administration in Gaza.

The discussions are still in their early stages, but are reportedly focusing on a transitional governing body led by a US official, tasked with managing Gaza until the region is demilitarised and a viable Palestinian administration emerges.

Sources quoted by Reuters say the model bears some resemblance to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, which took power following the 2003 US-led invasion.

That authority was short-lived, with Iraqis considering the US an occupying force.

No fixed timeline has been set for the proposed Gaza arrangement, with its duration contingent on conditions on the ground.

The talks have not advanced to the point of naming officials or firming up roles, and it remains unclear which side initiated the proposal. There is also no clarity on which countries might be invited to join the authority, though it would reportedly exclude both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

The news has reminded everyone of the viral satirical AI-generated video depicting a towering golden statue of Donald Trump in the centre of a waterfront luxury apartment complex in Gaza.

Mr Trump previously commented on wanting to “take over” Gaza to develop it into a modern attraction, though it remains unclear whether this was a genuine desire or just another attempt at stirring up headlines.

Mr Trump previously commented on wanting to ‘take over’ and ‘own’ Gaza to develop it into a modern attraction.

True to form?

In the video, there were multiple shots of an AI-generated Elon Musk, one of Palestinian children holding aloft a golden balloon modelled off Mr Trump’s face, and one image of a giant golden Trump statue, somewhat reminiscent of the Colossus of Rhodes.

The video, intended as a parody of Trump’s capitalistic ambitions, was quickly reposted by Trump’s team and sparked a tidal wave of outrage.

The original creator has since expressed regret over the video, saying the satire was being co-opted by the very people it was designed to critique”.

It was a moment that perfectly summed up the surreal theatre now attached to serious policy discussion.

The United States and Israel have held high-level talks about the possibility of Washington leading a temporary post-war administration in Gaza. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

US: ‘We want peace’

A US State Department spokesperson responded to queries saying: “We want peace, and the immediate release of the hostages. The pillars of our approach remain resolute: stand with Israel, stand for peace.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office is yet to comment.

However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently floated the idea of a transitional trusteeship during an interview with Sky News Arabia, suggesting that a coalition including “moderate Arab countries” could oversee Gaza’s civil life, with Palestinians working under their guidance.

“We’re not looking to control the civil life of the people in Gaza,” Saar said. “Our sole interest in the Gaza Strip is security.”

Hamas officials have predictably rejected the idea outright.

Gaza has been decimated by after 19 months of war. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)

Ismail Al-Thawabta, speaking from the group’s media office, said the people of Gaza should decide their own leadership, not have it imposed by the US or any other foreign government.

Israel has accused the Palestinian Authority of being anti-Israel and has consistently opposed any moves toward Palestinian sovereignty.

Behind the scenes, some Israeli officials are reportedly considering alternative post-war blueprints. Proposals include dividing Gaza into controlled zones, restricting reconstruction to designated areas, and establishing permanent military installations.

The United Arab Emirates, which normalised relations with Israel in 2020, has reportedly proposed its own version of post-war governance, involving an international coalition with PA involvement and a pathway to Palestinian statehood.

Abu Dhabi has not said whether it would support a US-led administration that excludes the PA.