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Report: US drafts plan to divide Gaza between Israeli and Hamas control

Iran Press TV

Friday, 24 October 2025 8:32 AM

A new US-backed proposal would divide Gaza into zones run separately by Israel and Hamas, restricting reconstruction to the Israeli-controlled area and, opponents warn, paving the way for a lasting Israeli foothold in the Palestinian territory.

The plan, described by The Wall Street Journal, represents one of the most consequential post-war frameworks under consideration since the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and the occupying Tel Aviv regime took effect on October 10.

"No reconstruction funds will be going into areas that Hamas still controls," Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law who has been deeply involved in Gaza negotiations, told reporters in the Israeli-occupied territories on Tuesday.

"There are considerations happening now in the area that the Israeli military controls, as long as that can be secured, to start the construction as a new Gaza," Kushner said.

Additionally, US Vice President JD Vance asserted Gaza currently consists of "two zones — one relatively safe and one extremely dangerous," adding that the US goal was "to expand the safe zone geographically."

According to the report, US officials indicate that the initiative seeks to establish a temporary structure to stabilize a portion of the territory while discussions persist regarding disarmament and the establishment of a transitional governing body that can manage the comprehensive reconstruction of Gaza.

A senior official from the US administration characterized the plan as "preliminary," indicating that updates will be provided "in the coming days."

Arab mediators have voiced concern regarding the proposal that emerged during recent discussions, according to the report, which adds that they are against the partitioning of Gaza, warning it could lead to a permanent Israeli-controlled zone within the region.

They have also turned down the suggestion of deploying forces to maintain security in Gaza under these circumstances.

The ceasefire map, negotiated by Trump, already features a yellow line that signifies Israeli control, which is designed to reduce gradually as specific benchmarks are fulfilled.

At the heart of the debate lies the unresolved question of how to disarm Hamas and form an alternative authority capable of restoring civilian governance and attracting international investment.

White House officials said Kushner, working with envoy Steve Witkoff, is the driving force behind the initiative, which has Trump's backing.

Israeli analysts see the proposal as a way to weaken Hamas politically and militarily over time, by expanding Israel's zone of control and strengthening a buffer between Gaza and border towns in the occupied lands.

But Palestinian and international observers warn the plan could mirror West Bank tactics, fragment Gaza, and erase its territorial unity.

As negotiations continue over a post-war plan for Gaza, the territory remains devastated. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) estimates that 61 million tons of debris now cover the territory.

"Entire neighbourhoods have been erased, and families search the ruins for water, for shelter," the agency said on X, noting that its aid "remains blocked" even as teams "continue to deliver lifesaving assistance."

The International Court of Justice this week ordered Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, rejecting Israeli claims that many UNRWA staff are linked to Hamas — a verdict Israel dismissed with US backing.

Meanwhile, 68,280 Palestinians have been killed and over 170,000 wounded in Israeli strikes in the past two years, as the World Health Organization warns that thousands of patients still await evacuation for treatment.