Biden envoy to meet with Abbas as the US floats a possible Palestinian security role in postwar Gaza

The main topic was the postwar arrangements for Gaza, including a proposal to reactivate Palestinian security forces in the region, which were previously ousted by Hamas in 2007.

Israel strongly opposes the idea of Palestinian security forces in Gaza. It seeks to maintain a continuous security presence there and is against allowing the Palestinian Authority, which is internationally backed and based in the West Bank, to establish a postwar foothold.

The recent conflict has resulted in extensive damage in northern Gaza and displaced approximately 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, leading to a spiraling humanitarian crisis with people taking refuge primarily in the south.

While expressing unease over Israel’s high civilian casualties and future plans for Gaza, President Biden’s administration continues to provide strong support to Israel with weapons shipments and diplomatic backing.

The conflict has resulted in over 18,700 Palestinian deaths, as reported by the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. This figure includes both combatants and civilians, with women and minors making up a significant portion of the casualties.

While Palestinian support for Hamas has seen an increase in the West Bank and a slight uptick in Gaza, a majority of Palestinians do not support Hamas. Conversely, Israelis largely support the war, viewing it as necessary to prevent attacks like the one on October 7.

The US is discussing various scenarios, including reactivating the Palestinian Authority’s security forces in Gaza and revitalizing the Palestinian Authority itself. These discussions are part of a broader vision for a unified Palestinian government and eventual statehood, which Israel currently opposes.