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More than 60 delegations gathered in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip, focusing on reconstruction efforts, governance structures, and security measures, as well as proposed reforms to the Palestinian Authority.
The Palestine Donor Group meeting, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, centered on Palestinian Authority reforms outlined in a U.S. peace plan that recently secured approval at the UN Security Council. This plan represents a significant diplomatic effort to chart a path forward for Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa emphasized the importance of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under single governance. “Reunifying the two under one legitimate government, one law and one administration is not a slogan,” Mustafa stated. “It’s the only workable path to stability and to accountable governance.” He also called for Israel to bear significant financial responsibility for Gaza’s reconstruction, arguing that Israel should contribute “significantly, if not fully for repairing the damage and contributing to the reconstruction effort.”
The European Union, as the Palestinian Authority’s largest financial supporter, views a reformed PA as crucial to Gaza’s future governance. However, this vision faces significant obstacles. Washington insists on comprehensive PA reforms before expanding its role, while Israel continues to reject any PA involvement in Gaza’s administration.
While Thursday’s meeting did not seek financial pledges for Gaza’s reconstruction—with a separate fundraising event planned in Egypt—it highlighted the EU’s increasing determination to secure influence in shaping post-war Gaza. The 27-nation bloc has announced plans to train 3,000 Palestinian police officers to secure the Gaza Strip, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pledging 100 French officers to support this mission.
“Palestinians have to be the ones leading and owning the processes that are happening in Palestine,” stated EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, underlining the bloc’s position on Palestinian self-governance.
According to EU officials, these police officers would be recruited from a pool of approximately 7,000 Gazan officers previously on the Palestinian Authority payroll. The EU is currently in discussions with Gaza’s neighboring countries to potentially host the training program.
The U.S. peace plan envisions a gradual transfer of control in Gaza from Israeli military forces to this new Palestinian security presence, supported by an International Stabilization Force. The EU currently maintains a small contingent of diplomats and military officers in the U.S.-run civilian-military command center in southern Israel that oversees the implementation of the peace plan.
Brussels is actively seeking membership in the proposed “Board of Peace,” which would hold ultimate authority in Gaza according to the UN-backed plan. Day-to-day administration would be handled by what the plan describes as a “technocratic, apolitical committee of competent Palestinians.”
The EU favors drawing this committee largely from the Palestinian Authority government led by President Mahmoud Abbas. However, the 90-year-old Abbas, who maintains authoritarian control over small areas of the West Bank, faces multiple challenges: marginalization by Israel, waning popularity among Palestinians, and struggle for influence in post-war Gaza planning.
Reform of the Palestinian Authority remains a central element of the American peace plan. “The money is always conditioned with reforms,” stated European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica. Brussels is pushing for specific changes, including the elimination of the controversial “martyrs’ fund” and revisions to educational textbooks. The EU is also pressuring Israel to release more than $2 billion in tax revenue owed to the Palestinian Authority.
The formation of both the Board of Peace and the administrative committee still requires broader Palestinian support to gain legitimacy. If these structures are perceived as tools serving U.S. or Israeli interests, many prominent Palestinians may refuse to participate. Hamas has already denounced the UN resolution, claiming it primarily advances Israeli objectives.
Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Mustafa expressed determination regarding Palestinian leadership in reconstruction efforts: “We will lead Gaza’s recovery. What we need now is fiscal stability and collective effort that protects both the peace and dignity of our people.”
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10 Comments
This meeting in Brussels represents an important diplomatic effort to address the complex challenges facing Gaza. While progress may be slow, I hope the various stakeholders can find common ground and take meaningful steps towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Agreed. With so many competing interests and deep-seated tensions, any progress will require immense patience and a willingness to compromise from all sides. But the potential benefits for the people of Gaza make it a worthy endeavor.
The discussions around security measures for Gaza will be particularly sensitive, given the history of violence and mistrust. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the Palestinian people while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns will require nuanced diplomacy and a commitment to finding common ground.
Absolutely. The security aspect is arguably the most delicate and critical piece of the puzzle. Striking the right balance between Palestinian and Israeli needs will be essential for any lasting peace and stability in the region.
Reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate government seems like a logical step towards stability and good governance. But given the history of tensions, I wonder how feasible that will be in practice. The details around power-sharing and decision-making will be critical.
Interesting update on the talks in Brussels regarding Gaza’s future. It’s clear there are complex political and economic challenges to address, from governance and security to reconstruction funding. I’m curious to see how the various stakeholders navigate these issues and work towards stability and prosperity for the region.
Agreed, it’s a delicate balance that needs to be struck between the different parties involved. Unifying the governance structure will be crucial, as will securing sufficient funding for the reconstruction efforts.
I’m curious to see how the proposed reforms to the Palestinian Authority will be received and implemented. Strengthening governance and accountability will be crucial, but the details will be hotly debated. Balancing the needs of Gaza and the West Bank will be an ongoing challenge.
The call for Israel to bear significant financial responsibility for Gaza’s reconstruction is understandable, given the damage caused by the ongoing conflict. However, I imagine there will be heated debates around the specifics of how that should be implemented. Constructive dialogue and compromise will be key to making progress.
Yes, determining the appropriate level of financial responsibility for Israel will likely be a major point of contention. Balancing that with the needs of the Palestinian Authority and the people of Gaza will require careful negotiation.