Recent events have highlighted the challenges faced by international entities attempting to manage the Palestinian situation in Gaza. As Israeli bombardment escalates, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump announced the formation of a foreign executive committee to oversee the provisional administration of Gaza. This initiative aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s desire to exclude both Hamas and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) from Gaza’s governance.
Failures of Technocrats and Peace Boards
The proposed governance model aims to establish a framework that circumvents traditional Palestinian leadership. However, this effort reflects a significant misunderstanding of Palestinian society, its political landscape, and historical context. Over the past 77 years, various national movements have emerged among Palestinians, unified by a common rejection of Israeli presence.
The Palestinian Political Context
No Palestinian group has willingly integrated into the Israeli colonial project. Whether through armed struggle or political activism, resistance remains a defining feature of Palestinian identity. Key factions such as Fatah and Hamas illustrate this ongoing commitment; Fatah was historically a dominant liberation movement, while Hamas has consistently upheld its resistance since formation.
- Fatah: Shifted post-Oslo Accords but remains significant.
- Hamas: Continues dedicated resistance efforts.
Attempts by Israel to promote local governance alternatives in Gaza have not succeeded. The strategy involved supporting individuals or groups with prior marginalization. For instance, Yasser Abu Shabab, a figure previously imprisoned for drug-related crimes, received backing from Israel to build a militia but was later killed, prompting condemnation from his tribe.
Public Sentiments and Resistance in the West Bank
In the West Bank, the PA’s collaboration with Israeli security has diminished its legitimacy. Recent polls indicate that the PA holds a mere 23 percent approval rating among Palestinians, while President Mahmoud Abbas enjoys only 16 percent support. Despite this, new armed groups have emerged, such as Areen al-Usud in Nablus, indicating the resilience of resistance outside traditional political structures.
- Areen al-Usud: Youth-led group gaining popularity.
- Jenin Brigades: Another example of independent resistance.
The key takeaway is that foreign-imposed governance lacks legitimacy in the Palestinian context. Efforts that ignore the Palestinian people’s aspiration for self-determination and their historical struggle are likely to lead to ongoing instability and conflict.
The Path Forward
To achieve lasting peace, a framework based on complete Palestinian administrative independence is essential. This must originate from the diverse will of the Palestinian people, aiming towards a sovereign Palestinian state. The reality on the ground emphasizes that local support and historical context are crucial for any governance model to succeed, making it clear that external interventions through peace boards are fundamentally flawed.
