Unprecedented destruction, ambitious outline - and hostility: the obstacles behind the "peace plan" for Gaza
At the MEAD conference in Washington, data on unprecedented destruction in Gaza was revealed: 1.2 million displaced and 370,000 homes destroyed. Officials presented a rehabilitation outline including the disarmament of Hamas and the deployment of 10,000 Palestinian police officers, but the plan is stalled due to lack of trust and suspicion between the parties. A warning was heard that without progress, the alternatives include a return to war.
At the MEAD conference held in Washington yesterday (Tuesday), four key figures whose future of Gaza depends on gathered. During the conference, harsh data on the condition of the Strip were revealed: 1.2 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes and 370,000 homes have been destroyed, 70,000 of them partially. The officials presented an ambitious rehabilitation outline that includes not only physical restoration of infrastructure and homes, but also educational efforts to address the anger, hatred, and radicalism that have accumulated among the Gaza population. On stage, there was agreement between Hamas, the United States, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar on a plan that includes the disarmament of Hamas. However, the project is stalled due to great suspicion and trust issues between the parties. It was stated clearly that Hamas members are liars and it is difficult to believe them, creating a major challenge in dealing with commitments made behind closed doors versus changing public messages. During the conference, it was revealed that part of the Peace Council's plan includes deploying 10,000 Palestinian police officers who will undergo vetting and be transferred to the Strip under American mediation, but the plan is currently defined as "not progressing." A call was heard for additional countries to support the plan and change the narrative to allow Palestinians to change direction. Also, a warning was heard that without progress, the alternatives will be bad for both sides and will include a return to war.