U.S. Plans Gaza’s Future Without Palestinian Representation
The Biden administration has launched a Washington-based “Gaza Futures Center” to coordinate post-war reconstruction and governance strategies for Gaza. But the absence of Palestinian voices—from Hamas, the Palestinian Authority (PA), or civil society—has ignited criticism, with experts calling it a flawed, top-down approach.
Why Palestinian Exclusion Matters
The center involves U.S. agencies and regional allies like Israel and Egypt but sidelines Gazans directly impacted by its decisions. Analysts warn this mirrors past U.S. failures in Iraq and Afghanistan, where excluding local voices led to unstable outcomes.
Key concerns:
– Legitimacy: Without buy-in from Palestinians, plans risk rejection.
– Humanitarian impact: Over 35,000 deaths and widespread displacement demand inclusive solutions.
– Regional backlash: Arab states privately question the U.S.’s unilateral approach.
U.S. Justifications and Criticisms
The administration cites Hamas’s terrorist designation and the PA’s unpopularity in Gaza as reasons for exclusion. However, critics argue alternatives exist:
- Dr. Leila Farsakh (University of Massachusetts): “This isn’t oversight—it’s erasure of Palestinian agency.”
- Omar Shakir (HRW): “Repeating Iraq’s mistakes guarantees failure.”
Calls for Inclusive Solutions
Experts propose actionable steps for credibility:
1. Engage non-partisan Palestinians: Include academics, NGOs, and business leaders.
2. Transparency: Publicize the center’s discussions to build trust.
3. Comply with international law: Prioritize self-determination under UN resolutions.
Regional and Palestinian Reactions
- Hamas: Labels the center “colonialist interference.”
- PA: Demands inclusive, internationally backed frameworks.
- Egypt/Saudi Arabia: Push quietly for Palestinian representation.
The Stakes for Gaza’s Future
With infrastructure destroyed and a deepening humanitarian crisis, sustainable recovery hinges on political inclusion. “Without Gazans’ voices, we’ll see endless cycles of violence,” warns analyst Tareq Baconi.
The U.S. faces a pivotal choice: impose solutions or center Palestinian rights in Gaza’s future.
— NextMinuteNews
