Gaza Peace Plan Gathers Momentum — But Will Israel Get on Board?

By The Urban Gazette Foreign Affairs Desk
📍 United Nations HQ, New York

A bold new diplomatic framework aimed at resolving the Gaza crisis is taking shape, backed by the United States and several Arab nations. The plan, currently circulating among UN diplomats, proposes the creation of a Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA) — a civilian-led body that would oversee Gaza during a post-conflict transition period.

But one critical player has not yet signaled support: Israel.

🔎 What’s in the Plan?

The proposal calls for a multinational interim administration, potentially led by a respected international figure such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has experience in Middle East diplomacy. The key components of the draft plan include:

🏛 Establishing a Palestinian-led governance structure with international oversight

🚫 Rejecting forced displacement or annexation of Gaza territory

🛑 Ceasing active military operations and opening humanitarian corridors

🕊 Setting a roadmap toward eventual Palestinian elections and reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas-aligned groups

The proposed transitional authority would work under a UN Security Council mandate, funded and supported by countries from Europe, the Gulf, and North America.

🗣 U.S. Pushes for Urgency

At the UN General Assembly, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said,

“We must break the cycle of destruction in Gaza. That requires new governance, new security guarantees, and new international guarantees of peace.”

The plan has received tentative support from Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, while the European Union has praised it as “a concrete path toward de-escalation and long-term stability.”

Israel’s Position: Still Hardline

Despite the momentum, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm on continuing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. In a fiery speech to the UN last week, he declared:

“We must finish the job — for Israel’s security, for our people, and for peace in the long run.”

His address triggered a walkout by more than 100 diplomats, including representatives from African and Muslim-majority nations, who viewed the remarks as tone-deaf to Palestinian suffering.

Behind the scenes, sources say Israeli officials are skeptical of any governance structure that includes Hamas-linked actors or limits their ability to act militarily in Gaza.

🧭 What About the Palestinians?

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has cautiously welcomed the proposal, but insists on greater clarity about who will control security and aid disbursement. Hamas, meanwhile, has not officially responded, though some factions have rejected the notion of “foreign occupation under new branding.”

Analysts believe internal Palestinian unity will be a critical hurdle — any transitional arrangement risks being seen as illegitimate if key groups are excluded.

🤝 Africa’s Role in the Debate

Uganda and several other African nations are being urged to support a ceasefire resolution and endorse the transitional plan at the UN.

In Kampala, civil society organizations such as the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and ACT Alliance Uganda have called for the government to “use its diplomatic voice to support peace, humanitarian relief, and self-determination for Palestinians.”

📉 Humanitarian Situation Worsens

As talks continue, the reality on the ground remains bleak. UN OCHA estimates that over 18,000 Gazans have been displaced, with hospitals running on backup generators and water shortages affecting half the territory.

International NGOs warn that without a political breakthrough, Gaza could face “a collapse of humanitarian infrastructure within weeks.”

🧠 Analysis: Can the Plan Succeed?

Pros:

Backed by major powers (U.S., EU, Gulf states)

Includes humanitarian and political components

Offers a way out of the current stalemate

Risks:

Israeli resistance to limited sovereignty

Palestinian factionalism

Lack of trust in international “caretaker” bodies

Dr. Leila Hassan, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi, told The Urban Gazette:

“The success of the Gaza Authority hinges on buy-in from both Israel and the Palestinians. Without mutual compromise, the Authority may lack legitimacy or enforcement power.”