The answer to the question of what comes next in Gaza the day after the war ends has eluded analysts and officials alike since the start of the war, which began with Hamas’ onslaught on Israel’s southern communities. While most actors are aligned in their objective of removing Hamas from power and the desire to see the Palestinian Authority return to Gaza, approaches differ as to the extent of the PA’s control and the underlying conditions required for this transition. The four most prominent plans—put forward by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the Palestinian Authority— cannot be squared with Israel’s declared principles, which rule out any formal role for the PA. Yet they indicate how a post-war Gaza may move forward, and, assuming the Trump administration will push for ending the war, some elements of these proposals are flexible and lend themselves toward a compromise with Israel’s demands.

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1. Egypt’s Proposal: Community Support Committee in Gaza

The Egyptian Community Support Committee focuses on transitional governance with local expertise and minimal international involvement but gives a local national body an oversight role. This plan was approved by Hamas, which issued an official statement following talks with Egyptian and Fatah officials in Cairo in early December. Fatah and the Palestinian Authority’s official position remains under review, with reports indicating serious reservations about its content.

Key Features:

Governance: A committee of 10-15 professionals, agreed upon by the different political factions, will operate under PA laws. A national body will review and oversee the operation of the committee. The arrangement will restore the unity of the Palestinian territories and avoid the separation of Gaza from the West Bank.

Security and Law and Order: No specific security plan was provided, but the committee will operate under PA directives and laws.

Reconstruction: In coordination with regional organizations, the committee will manage reconstruction of infrastructure and create a new pool of funds to be administered by donor countries.

International Role: The committee will collaborate with international and Arab stakeholders in ensuring transparency and efficiency. In particular, it will coordinate with Egypt on cross-border security, access, and movement.

 

2. The UAE’s Proposal: Transition From Temporary International Mission to PA Rule

The priority is immediate international control over Gaza with an eye toward transitioning responsibility to the PA in the long run, only if the PA fulfills two conditions: (1) meaningful reforms, including a new prime minister; (2) in the short term, allowing regional and international forces to assume responsibility for security and law enforcement.

Key Features:

Goal: Gaza will be stabilized and brought back under the control of a fully reformed PA as part of a push to advance a two-state outcome. The PA will undergo a change in its political leadership. 

Governance: The plan calls for PA reform, including the appointment of a new prime minister and a Gaza Executive Committee via presidential decree. The PA will gradually assume responsibility for governance in Gaza.

Security and Law and Order: A Temporary International Mission (TIM) with representatives from several Arab and Western countries and the PA will be deployed for stabilization and law enforcement. Rather than immediately assuming exclusive responsibility for law enforcement and security, the PA’s involvement will take place as part of the TIM.

Reconstruction: International donor-led reconstruction of infrastructure, services, and PA institutions in Gaza.

International Role: The U.S., UAE, and other regional partners will coordinate with Israel to ensure success and safety.

 

3. U.S. Non-Paper on Principles

The U.S. is pushing for hybrid international oversight, phased transfer of control to the PA, and PA reforms—all centered on sustainable governance capacity.

Key Features:

Goal: Transition to a post-Hamas Gaza governance, including security and recovery.

Governance: The PA will carry out reforms with an eye toward long-term governance in Gaza. A transitional mission will be managed by an executive board with Palestinian and partner representatives.

Security and Law and Order: Various partners will screen, vet, and train new PA security forces. A temporary multinational force will be deployed for border security and humanitarian aid delivery. The IDF will coordinate a phased withdrawal with the deployment of PA Security Forces.

Reconstruction: An international fund will funnel donations for Gaza’s recovery through the PA. Partners in the fund will ensure transparency and accountability of decision-making and expenditures.

International Role: The U.N. will facilitate humanitarian assistance, recovery, and reconstruction. The U.S., Gulf states, and other partners will provide political and financial backing.

 

4. The PA’s Plan: Gaza and the West Bank to Unite Under One Law, One Authority, One Gun

The PA emphasizes the need for Palestinian self-reliance, institutional unification, and a two-state outcome.

Key Features:

Goals: Durable ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, political settlement, and a two-state solution based on UNGA Resolution 67/19.

Governance: Gaza and the West Bank will be reunited under the PA on the basis of one law, one authority, and one gun. The PA government will be reorganized to maintain order and control over all Palestinian territories.

Security and Law and Order: PA Security Forces will be under a single command.

Reconstruction: International donors will support reconstruction and economic development. The PA will set up infrastructure and try to negotiate independence from Israeli control, building on existing trade agreements.

International Role: The international peace conference will aim to establish a sustainable two-state solution. Arab and international partners will provide governance and security guarantees.