Trump-Netanyahu talks expected to address question of Gaza without Hamas

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to meet at the White House on Monday to discuss the future of Gaza, particularly in the absence of Hamas. This poses a difficult question as experts suggest that while there is a clear need for an alternative to Hamas, finding a viable solution comes with various challenges.

John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), emphasized the importance of building an alternative to Hamas while simultaneously dismantling the organization. He noted that it is crucial for people to see a future beyond Hamas and proposed the idea of a non-Hamas technocratic government consisting of Palestinians not affiliated with either Hamas or the PLO, supported by key Arab states like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE.

Ghaith al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, highlighted the need for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to play a symbolic role in any new Gaza administration to garner legitimacy and support from Arab states. He emphasized the importance of a commitment to a two-state solution to incentivize Arab involvement in Gaza.

Securing Israeli approval for a new Gaza administration would also be crucial, with guarantees needed to ensure Israel retains counterterrorism access to prevent the resurgence of Hamas. This would require intensive American-led diplomacy and coordination to bridge the gaps between Israel, Arab states, and international players.

One proposal gaining traction is empowering local clans to establish self-governing enclaves within Gaza. Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, believes this model could serve as a starting point for an alternative to Hamas. However, others argue that these groups lack legitimacy and cohesion to govern effectively.

Dr. Michael Milstein, head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University, expressed skepticism about the viability of clans as an alternative to Hamas, citing past failures and the continued dominance of Hamas in public spaces.

Ultimately, the challenge lies in fostering Palestinian leadership that prioritizes peace and self-love over hatred towards Israel. As discussions continue between the U.S., Israel, and Arab states, the path towards a post-Hamas Gaza remains complex but crucial for regional stability and prosperity.