US, 'Israel' discuss US-led Gaza post-war administration: Sources

The United States and 'Israel' have held talks about the potential for a US-led transitional government in Gaza following the ongoing genocide, Reuters reported, citing five sources familiar with the discussions.

The preliminary "high-level" negotiations envision a temporary administration under a US official to stabilize and demilitarize Gaza until a capable Palestinian governance structure emerges, the sources explained.

According to the sources, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks, no fixed duration has been set for this proposed US-led authority, with its timeline depending on conditions in Gaza.

They likened the concept to the US-established Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in 2003, which governed briefly after Saddam Hussein’s overthrow but faced challenges containing an insurgency before transferring power to an Iraqi interim government in 2004.

The sources indicated that other nations would be invited to join the US-led effort, though specific countries were not named. The administration would incorporate Palestinian technocrats but exclude Hamas, the Islamist group ruling Gaza since 2007, and the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank.

The sources noted that it’s uncertain whether an agreement will be reached, as the talks have not advanced to assigning key roles. Details on which party proposed the idea or specifics of the discussions were not disclosed.

A US State Department spokesperson, responding to Reuters, declined to confirm the talks, stating, “We want peace, and the immediate release of the hostages,” while emphasizing support for Israel and peace.

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also declined to comment.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of Hamas’ Gaza media office, rejected any foreign-led administration, insisting that Gazans should determine their own leadership.