US Gaza Plan Accused of Leaving Room for Israeli Territorial Expansion
A key provision in the US-backed Gaza plan is facing criticism for allegedly allowing Israel to maintain a long-term military presence in the territory despite official opposition to occupation or annexation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that Israel's reported goal of controlling 70 percent of Gaza is not part of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan. While the plan says Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza, it permits Israeli forces to remain in a security perimeter until Gaza is deemed free from future security threats.
Critics argue that this provision creates a loophole that Israel can use to justify continued control over parts of Gaza. They point to the expansion of military-controlled areas and the ongoing emphasis on Hamas disarmament as conditions for reconstruction and political progress.
The article also questions the role of international actors, including the US-backed Board of Peace, claiming that their focus on Hamas disarmament overlooks broader concerns about territorial control, displacement, and the humanitarian impact of the war.
According to the author, the debate should focus less on Hamas's willingness to disarm and more on examining Israel's policies in Gaza, including military operations, displacement of Palestinians, and potential territorial expansion. The article concludes that if the US genuinely opposed occupation and annexation, the Gaza plan would not contain provisions that allow for an indefinite Israeli security presence.
