[Global Times Special Correspondent in Israel and Egypt Zhang Hao Huang Peizhao Special Correspondent Pei Ming of the Global Times] The Washington Post of the United States reported exclusively on August 31 that a post-war plan for Gaza circulated within the Trump administration showed that the Gaza Strip will become a US-managed trusteeship for at least 10 years, during which time it will be transformed into a glamorous tourist resort and high-tech center. All 2 million Gazans will be forced to "temporarily relocate". Israel's Ha 'aretz newspaper published an article saying that the plan outlines the clearest so-called "post-war vision" to date, but it will only confirm people's suspicion: the U.S. government is only focused on "illusory" economic measures, but indifferent to the well-being of the Palestinian people and local realities. Palestinian media strongly criticized it as a "flagrant violation" of the rights of the Palestinian people. This month, the United Nations General Assembly will be held in New York, USA, when several Western countries prepare to formally recognize the state of Palestine. Foreign media disclosed that in response to this development, Israel is considering "annexing" parts of the West Bank. Some Middle Eastern media are worried that this may drag the region into a deeper quagmire of war.
$5000 in cash, 4 years of rental subsidies, 1 year of food...
A 38-page plan outline reviewed by The Washington Post showed that the plan requires 2 million Gazans to relocate at least temporarily during reconstruction. There are two methods of relocation: "voluntarily" to other countries or to restricted safe areas in the Gaza Strip. Gaza residents who hold land will receive digital tokens issued by trustees in exchange for their land development rights. Digital token holders can use the token to start a new life elsewhere, or ultimately use it to redeem apartments in six to eight upcoming "artificial intelligence new cities" in Gaza. According to the plan, Palestinians who choose to leave will receive a cash payment of $5000, a subsidy to rent elsewhere for four years, and food for a year.
The Washington Post stated that the future agency responsible for managing Gaza will be named the "Gaza Reconstruction, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trusteeship Agency"(abbreviated as GREAT Trust, meaning "Great Trusteeship Agency"). The plan, which is under review, has not yet been explicitly approved.
According to reports, the above-mentioned plan outline document did not mention the ultimate Palestinian statehood, claiming that the Trusteeship Authority would transfer power to a "reformed, de-radicalized Palestinian polity" that would join the Abraham Agreement. The draft plan also mentions that Gaza will be located at the crossroads of "pro-American" regions, help the United States obtain energy resources and key minerals, and will serve as a logistics hub for the "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor."
"Pillage of the New Era"
On September 1, the Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds strongly condemned the U.S. post-war plan for Gaza, saying it was a plot to turn Gaza into an "American colony." The report said that the $5000 compensation is far from making up for the Palestinians 'pain of losing their homes. Egypt's Al-Ahram newspaper described this as "plunder for the new era." The United States tried to cover up its political goals with economic means and turned Gaza into a "special economic zone" serving U.S. interests, while ignoring the national sentiments and historical demands of the Palestinian people.
Israel's Ha 'aretz published an article on August 31 stating that the US draft plan appeared "very unserious" and "lacked practical basis." This document ignores the fact that forced population transfers violate international law and that none of the receiving countries currently mentioned have explicitly agreed to participate, including Indonesia, South Sudan, Libya, Ethiopia, etc.
The article believes that the U.S. plan is related to Trump's son-in-law Kushner, who is good at packaging "economic transactions" as peaceful ideas. The United States and Israel are trying to promote the so-called "multilateral trusteeship", which in essence is an attempt to undermine Palestine's right to self-determination and territorial integrity. Even though the plan mentions a future transfer of power, the terms still state that "protective measures will be retained for a long time," which means that Israel will in fact continue to control Gaza.
The United Nations General Assembly will convene in New York this month, during which France, Australia, Canada and other countries are preparing to formally recognize the state of Palestine. In this context, the U.S. State Department announced that it would refuse to issue visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian officials who planned to go to the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly. On August 31, the New York Times also disclosed that the Trump administration has completely suspended the issuance of almost all types of visitor visas to Palestinian passport holders, including medical treatment, study, visiting relatives and friends, business travel, etc.
This new U.S. move has raised questions. According to the New York Times, Doyle, who served as lead counsel for the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, believes the government should disclose its decision-making process and explain its reasons for enforcing such bans. "Are there real national security issues? Or is it political considerations-to support Israel's position, or to avoid embarrassing situations when people come here and talk about war?"
Foreign media: Israel considers annexing parts of the West Bank
In response to several Western countries 'plans to formally recognize the state of Palestine, Israel has also taken action and is said to be considering "annexing" parts of the West Bank. The Times of Israel reported that at a meeting held on the evening of August 31, the Israeli security cabinet discussed the future "takeover" of Gaza City and the possibility of extending Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank, without mentioning any issues related to the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
Axios News Network quoted people familiar with the matter as saying that Israel's plan includes annexing the entire Area C, about 60% of the West Bank, and Israel will be responsible for security and civil affairs in the area. An Israeli official said that in addition to this "maximum option", there are two other options: extend sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley area, which account for about 30% of the West Bank; and limit it to settlements and their corridors, which account for about 10% of the West Bank.
Israel's Jerusalem Post said on August 31 that several Israeli officials revealed that the country is seriously considering the possibility of implementing sovereignty in "certain areas," but Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet made a final decision on this. According to reports, a senior U.S. official said that the "sovereign decision" lies in Israel's hands. Sources said the Americans sent a message to Israel,"You decide what you want first and then talk to us."
Regarding Israel's consideration of annexing parts of the West Bank, Saudi newspaper Riyadh said that this move is a "dangerous provocation" and a blatant provocation against the Palestinian people and the entire Arab world, which will further intensify regional conflicts and lead to an escalation of violent conflicts.