Key Recommendations for Gaza
1. Disarming Hamas and securing the release of Israeli hostages: The Next Century Foundation recommends the disarmament of Hamas’s armed wing, with a final offer for remaining fighters to relocate to Qatar. A professional military force – British, Russian, or American – would lead the operation, deploying two coordinated units from the north and south toward the Wadi Gaza River. The units would conduct systematic searches of city blocks in parallel with the establishment of designated humanitarian zones.
Final release of the Israel´s hostages should be negotiated in accordance with the hostage-ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on January 15, 2025. The ceasefire agreement can resume at stage two, starting with the release of the remaining living hostages, and the withdrawal of Israel´s forces from Gaza. UN-monitored humanitarian corridors for the delivery of aid, medical supplies, and the evacuation of the wounded, would be established.
2.Securing lasting stability: A joint Arab peacekeeping force composed of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco (and others) should be established and deployed to Gaza. This force would maintain stability, oversee reconstruction efforts, and manage essential administrative functions until the basic phases of reconstruction are complete.
- Saudi Arabia’s involvement is driven by its ambition to normalise relations with Israel in order to diversify its economy, strengthen its relationship with the United States, and earn a leadership role in regional peace initiatives.
- Egypt remains engaged due to the risk of mass displacement from Gaza, which could place additional strain on its already fragile economy, underscoring its interest in supporting diplomatic and stabilization efforts.
- Morocco, which maintains diplomatic relations with Israel while also recognizing Palestinian statehood, brings valuable peacekeeping experience and counterinsurgency expertise to the proposed force.
3.Governance of the Gaza-Strip: Once reconstruction is well underway and Hamas has been fully disarmed, governance would transition to a Palestinian technocratic committee. This committee would be selected by either:
a) A council composed of respected Palestinian civil society figures (lawyers, academics, religious leaders)
b) Delegates from the Arab peacekeeping force: Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco
Selection will further be subject to Israel governmentary approval.
This committee would assume administrative and political responsibilities, while the Arab peacekeeping force would remain to ensure continued security and stability.
4.Infrastructural projects funded by the US: The Foundation also recommends that the United States leads efforts to construct critical infrastructure in Gaza, including desalination and power plants.Economic collaboration between the United States and members of the Joint Arab Peacekeeping Force (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco) may be favourable. Financing these projects is economically beneficial for both the United States and the Gulf region as the completed projects will promote spending, create resources, and increase tourism to the region.
Please see below for expanded consideration of the reconstruction efforts.
5.Long-Term Stability between Israel and Gaza: Talks regarding two-state solution: The disarmament of Hamas and hostage release must be accompanied by renewed peace negotiations aimed at achieving a viable agreement between Israel and Palestine, ultimately laying the foundation for a two-state solution.
Background to Key Recommendations for Gaza-Israel Peace Proposal
This document proposes key elements that should be included in a peace agreement to make it acceptable to all concerned actors.
Disarming Hamas
Under international oversight (Egypt/Israel/Qatar), Hamas’ military wing personnel would be offered a final chance to relocate to Qatar (or elsewhere).
Two armed forces would be employed. One working from the North (Eretz) and one working from the South (Rafah) both moving toward Wadi Gaza River where they would meet.
Both forces follow an enhanced version of the “Humanitarian Bubble” action currently being conducted by Israel. However they would work slowly.
City block by city block, derelict housing would be bulldozed and residents of occupied and viable housing would be given permits or IDs identifying their properties and then searched and asked to leave. The property would then be searched, block by block, and any derelict property in the block will be demolished and flattened. Those with permits would be allowed to return having once again been searched before doing so.
We recommend that the armed force employed to conduct this work be external. Either British military or Russian and / or American mercenary.
Securing subsequent Lasting Stability
To establish stability and ensure security in the Gaza Strip during the disarmament of Hamas and the commencement of reconstruction efforts, the deployment of a military peacekeeping force will be essential. This force would be responsible for maintaining security, carrying out basic administrative functions, overseeing reconstruction activities, and training local security personnel. The Next Century Foundation outlines three possible peacekeeping mission models, strongly recommending the establishment of a joint Arab peacekeeping force as the preferred option.
Joint Arab Peacekeeping Force
The Foundation recommends the establishment of a peacekeeping force led by an Arab coalition, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco pooling their resources and expertise to oversee the governance of Gaza and Palestine.
Saudi Arabia is actively working to diversify its economy and is seeking to open new sectors and establish new trade partnerships. Normalizing relations with Israel is a key step toward achieving these goals; however, this remains challenging while Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its interest in normalising relations with Israel in the recent French-Saudi conferences. This shows their respect for Israel, and provides a valuable opportunity to trust their efforts in Gaza, for the mutual benefit of both Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Saudi Arabia seeks to position itself as a regional leader, and playing a central role in brokering a peace deal would align with this vision. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its commitment to cooperate with Israel over a shared concern for Iran, as well as its plan to invest $600 billion over the next four years, in Israel’s close ally, the United States. Participating in a joint peacekeeping force would not only enhance Saudi Arabia’s soft power but also help normalize its relations with Israel, which would support broader economic interests.
Egypt would be a valuable partner due to its efforts in seeking a solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Egypt has condemned the violence and is concerned about the potential displacement of the Gazan population, which could destabilize its already fragile economy. Given these concerns, Egypt has a strong interest in finding a solution. In light of Egypt’s precarious economic situation, a potential offer from the U.S. of additional financial aid or a deal with the EU to reduce Egypt’s debt could incentivize its participation in a joint force.
Morocco, a powerful and experienced nation that recognized Palestine early on, has deployed its military in various peacekeeping missions, including in Congo, Somalia, and the Ivory Coast. As a result, Morocco has valuable counterinsurgency experience, which would be crucial for a peacekeeping force. Furthermore, Morocco normalized relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords in 2020 and maintained those relations despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This demonstrates that Morocco’s relations with Israel are important. Given its strong military force and experience, Morocco would be a valuable addition to an Arab peacekeeping force.
The force would work to ensure stability and peace while overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza. Over time, Arab forces would train Palestinian security personnel to enable them to fully assume responsibility for Gaza’s administration and security.
Multinational peacekeeping force
Another potential approach to Gaza’s governance is the establishment of a multinational oversight structure. The Next Century Foundation has proposed the formation of an alliance consisting of Canada, the European Union (with particular involvement from Spain and France), and the Republic of Türkiye to oversee this initiative.
Historically, Canada has maintained strong ties with Israel but became more critical following Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. However, Canada has yet to recognize Palestine as an independent state.
While the European Union as a whole has not formally recognized Palestine as an independent state, individual member states have adopted varying positions. In May 2024, Spain, Sweden, and Norway granted recognition, framing the move as support for peace efforts rather than opposition to Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have also announced they will recognise Palestine as a sovereign state in September 2025. This emerging trend suggests a possible shift in the stance of several European nations, aimed at facilitating a two-state solution through the mutual recognition of both Israel and Palestine. Recognition could align with the European Union’s strategic interests, particularly in the area of migration management. Israel’s ongoing airstrikes on Gaza, which risk displacing large numbers of Palestinians, could lead to a mass exodus toward Egypt. Given Egypt’s fragile economic situation and limited capacity, such a scenario could trigger increased migration flows toward the European Union, potentially straining the bloc’s resources and stability. As a long time supporter of Israel, the European Union would be motivated to keep peace in Gaza for its own security concerns around migration, and for Israel’s security concerns with Hamas, but through a more meticulous and international approach.
The Republic of Türkiye has maintained a pro-Palestinian stance, suspending trade with Israel following its offensive in Gaza. Previously, Türkiye was one of Israel’s key trading partners in the region, making its participation in a multinational alliance strategically significant. Its involvement could facilitate the resumption of trade between both nations. Furthermore, Türkiye places great emphasis on its role within the Muslim world, positioning itself as a representative of Islamic interests. Assigning Türkiye a key role in Gaza’s administration could contribute to regional stability.
Israel should accept a multinational governance in Gaza if it guarantees security and stability for the Israeli state.
Whatever peacekeeping force or protectorate is established, an important consideration is an exit strategy, which must be planned in detail in advance. Drawing lessons from Afghanistan, troops would need to gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip, following key milestones and ensuring that Palestinian security forces are capable of defending themselves and maintaining stability.
UN-Mission protectorate
A potential solution could be the establishment of a UN Mission protectorate to ensure peace, reconstruction, and long-term stability in Gaza. UN peacekeeping forces (Blue Helmets) would enforce security, and train local security personnel to maintain sustainable stability.
A committee of Palestinian technocrats would be formed to manage governmental affairs and oversee reconstruction efforts. The UN Mission would provide security guarantees, ensuring peace and stability in Gaza.
Reconstruction efforts
The reconstruction plan proposed by the Arab League provides a valuable framework, which the Next Century Foundation aims to build upon by introducing additional measures to ensure stability and peace both during and after reconstruction.
Stage One: Initial Reconstruction and Security Stabilization
The first phase will focus on clearing debris from the central axis area and preparing it for temporary housing units. Salah El-Din Road will be developed as a key corridor to facilitate reconstruction efforts. Additionally, 200,000 homes will be built, and 60,000 buildings will undergo restoration.
Stage Two: Infrastructure Development
Critical infrastructure – including waste management systems, water supply, telecommunications, and electricity – will be fully restored as part of the reconstruction process. The Next Century Foundation recommends that these projects should be led by the United States. Constructing essential facilities such as desalination and power plants under the supervision and financing of foreign partners would strengthen Gaza’s long-term self-sufficiency.
Additionally, these infrastructure projects could serve as a foundation for broader international investment and development initiatives in Gaza. Increased foreign involvement would raise the strategic and economic value of the Gaza Strip and make the use of military force or large-scale destruction significantly less likely, as any future aggression would risk damaging relations with the international stakeholders involved.
To support economic revitalization, the plan includes the development of an industrial zone, a fishing port, a commercial port, and an airport. Additionally, a buffer zone along the Gaza-Israel border will be designated for agricultural use, fostering self-sufficiency through small-scale farming communities.
Governance of the Gaza-Strip
Once the basic reconstruction is complete and key infrastructure projects are in place, the peacekeeping forces will gradually transfer authority to a Palestinian technocratic committee. This committee will consist of Palestinian technocrats – individuals unaffiliated with any political party, selected for their specialized expertise and ability to contribute to the effective governance of the Gaza Strip. The members of this committee will be appointed by the Palestinian Authority, and reputable figures from Gaza.
Acting as an interim governing body, the technocratic committee will oversee the remaining reconstruction efforts while peacekeeping forces maintain a security presence to ensure ongoing stability. This structure will lay the groundwork for Palestinian self-governance, which is essential for Gaza’s long-term ability to manage its own affairs and sustain internal stability.
At the same time, the technocratic committee will serve the best interests of the Gazan population by applying expert knowledge and nonpartisan leadership, preparing the transition for the Palestinian Authority to assume full governance once reconstruction is complete and a stable security environment has been secured.
Exit Strategy
A crucial element of deploying a peacekeeping force is establishing a clear and comprehensive exit strategy. To ensure that the withdrawal of peacekeeping forces does not undermine the stability and security achieved in Gaza, it is essential to prepare and equip well-trained Palestinian security personnel. These officials must receive thorough training in counterinsurgency, enabling them to detect and respond swiftly to any resurgence of Hamas’s armed wing and prevent its expansion.
The withdrawal of foreign security forces should be gradual, with each step carefully aligned to maintain stability throughout the Gaza Strip. As the transition progresses, the Palestinian Authority must assume full responsibility for governance, including the protection and security of the civilian population.
Based on these commitments, a stable foundation can be created for the next phase of negotiations, paving the way toward a long-term resolution between Israel and Palestine.
Long-Term Stability between Israel and Gaza: Talks regarding two-state solution
A key addition to this plan is the establishment of a structured negotiation process with the objective to develop a viable agreement between Palestine and Israel, laying the groundwork for a two-state solution.
This stage is crucial, as fostering trust and stability will encourage investment and economic collaboration between Gaza and international firms. Increased foreign business presence and investment in Gaza would also serve as a deterrent to future hostilities, as conflict is less likely in a region deeply integrated into the global economy. A stable, functioning, and prosperous Gaza is not an environment in which terrorist organisations can operate, and pose a threat to Israel.
Moreover, Hamas is unlikely to disarm without tangible progress toward Palestinian sovereignty. Without Israeli concessions there is a risk of further radicalization, escalating violence, and regional destabilization. Continued restrictions could fuel jihadist ideologies, increasing the threat of terrorism not only in Israel but also in Western countries, including the United States and Europe, where impatience is growing.
By integrating this negotiation process, the plan seeks to establish a foundation for lasting peace and security for all parties involved.
