Gaza's Dire Situation: A Divided Future Under U.S. Military Planning

The ongoing crisis in Gaza has reached alarming proportions as almost all residents have been displaced into a designated red zone, devoid of basic services like drinking water and significantly hindered access to humanitarian aid due to restrictions imposed by Israel. Francesca Albanese describes the grim reality where, despite the declaration of a ceasefire, Palestinian casualties continue to mount under Israeli fire. Recently unveiled U.S. plans indicate a long-term division of the Gaza Strip into two distinct areas: a green zone that will operate under Israeli and international military control, where reconstruction efforts would be initiated, and a red zone that remains in a state of devastation, with no plans for rebuilding. According to U.S. military documents obtained by The Guardian, foreign forces are set to be deployed alongside Israeli troops in eastern Gaza, dividing the territory by an existing line of control. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, 'Ideally we would leave everything as it was, but that is ambitious.' The evolving nature of U.S. plans for Gaza has raised concerns regarding Washington's commitment to establishing a sustainable political agreement with the Palestinian government, as previously pledged by the Trump administration. Plans for Palestinian reconstruction have shifted swiftly over the weeks. Initially, U.S. proposals included the establishment of alternative safe communities (CSAs), but these plans have since been abandoned without prior notice to humanitarian organizations concerned about the welfare of the Palestinian population. Unless an effective international peacekeeping force is deployed, addressing the withdrawal of Israeli troops and large-scale reconstruction of Gaza seems nearly impossible. Mediators have warned that the current status is characterized by neither war nor peace, resulting in timely attacks, persistent occupation, and limited reconstruction efforts. The recently proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) is part of the Trump administration's 20-point peace plan. Expectations are set on a UN Security Council resolution soon to be passed, aiming to grant formal authority for this force. However, significant troop contributions remain uncertain, as countries await the resolution’s final text before making commitments. While Trump has ruled out deploying U.S. troops on the ground, the absence of American financial support for reconstruction remains a sticking point for achieving the envisioned outcomes. U.S. diplomats have emphasized their desire to define the pathway without necessarily covering its costs. As for immediate reconstruction efforts, comprehensive analysis indicates that vast portions of Gaza continue to suffer the consequences of the ongoing war. Satellite imagery reveals extensive damage to residential areas, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. In a surprising discovery, military plans outlined collaboration with European forces, including British, French, and German troops, positioned within the ISF. However, skepticism surrounds the feasibility of such deployments with many European nations hesitant to contribute troops in light of previous experiences in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Upcoming contributions from neighboring Jordan were also mentioned, but King Abdullah has firmly rejected sending troops, recognizing the potential political fallout within Jordan’s Palestinian population. Discussions have reflected how immensely vulnerable troops could become if caught in crossfire between Hamas and Israeli forces in unstable conditions. Lastly, the reconstruction strategy in Gaza poses challenges reminiscent of past failures in war-stricken regions worldwide. While foreign aid may lure civilians toward the proposed green zone, critics dread comparisons with failed attempts in Iraq and Afghanistan, where military promises of stabilization led to long-term disarray. To conclude, while the urgency for reconstruction is evident—given the staggering number of people presently displaced—Israeli restrictions on essential humanitarian aid impede progress, leaving millions of Palestinians without basic necessities. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2