Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in a recent statement, discussed the future governance of the Gaza Strip following the ongoing conflict with Israel. At a press conference, Gallant emphasized that the future administration of Gaza would be in the hands of Palestinians, acknowledging their presence and role in the region. He asserted that the governance emerging from Gaza should be rooted in its own people and structure.
Gallant also addressed the prospects of security and military dynamics post-conflict. He predicted that, at the conclusion of the war, Gaza would no longer pose a military threat. Gallant emphasized that Hamas, the current ruling body in Gaza since 2007, would be unable to continue functioning as a military entity within the territory.
The Defense Minister further elaborated on the nature of the future government in Gaza. He suggested it would be more of a civilian administration, contrasting with the current military-oriented governance. However, he also maintained that Israeli forces would retain operational freedom to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.
The background of the current conflict traces back to early October, when Hamas fighters breached the militarized border, leading to attacks on communities in Southern Israel. This aggression resulted in approximately 1,140 deaths in Israel, predominantly civilians, based on figures from Israeli sources. In response, Israel’s retaliatory actions have led to over 24,000 casualties in Gaza, with a significant number being women and children, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry.