President Donald Trump’s peace plan is focused on one primary objective: the removal of Hamas from power in Gaza. But it raises an equally important question: what comes next? The 20-point proposal is less clear on the long-term governance of the territory, leaving Gaza’s future uncertain even if a deal is reached.
The plan explicitly states that Hamas “will not be allowed to govern Gaza in any form.” This creates a power vacuum in a territory the group has controlled for nearly two decades. While the proposal allows for the possibility of a future Palestinian state, it provides no roadmap for who would manage Gaza in the interim.
Potential scenarios could involve a transitional administration led by the Palestinian Authority, an international peacekeeping force, or a council of local leaders. However, each of these options comes with significant challenges. The Palestinian Authority is weak and unpopular in Gaza, and an international force may be reluctant to step into such a volatile environment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has further complicated the issue by stating Israel will maintain overall security control, a condition that could conflict with any form of Palestinian autonomy. His rejection of statehood also limits the potential for a stable, long-term political solution.
While the immediate goal is to end the war that has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, the lack of a clear post-Hamas plan is a major concern. Without a viable governance structure to replace the old one, Gaza could risk sliding from a devastating war into a state of prolonged chaos and instability.
From War to What? Gaza’s Uncertain Future Without Hamas
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