The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has initiated discussions with the United States regarding post-war reconstruction in Gaza, highlighting a strategic divergence between Abu Dhabi and Cairo. While Egypt, in alignment with the Arab League, has proposed a governance model led by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and supported by a security force trained by Jordan and Egypt, the UAE appears to be advocating for an alternative approach that prioritizes long-term stability and security.
Security Considerations in Gaza Reconstruction
The October 7 massacre, in which Hamas terrorists carried out widespread atrocities against Israeli civilians, has fundamentally altered the discussion surrounding Gaza’s future. Given the scale of the attack and Hamas’ deep entrenchment within Gaza, reconstruction efforts cannot proceed without first ensuring the complete dismantling of the group’s military and administrative infrastructure. Any framework that fails to address this risk would leave Israel vulnerable to future attacks.
Egypt’s proposal for a PA-led governance structure raises concerns regarding its effectiveness in countering terrorist activity. The Palestinian Authority has struggled to maintain control in areas under its jurisdiction and has been criticized for its inability to curb incitement and militant activity in Judea and Samaria. Without significant structural reforms, its capacity to govern Gaza and prevent the resurgence of Hamas remains uncertain.
Iran’s longstanding financial and military support for Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah underscores the broader regional security implications of any Gaza reconstruction plan. Tehran has positioned itself as the principal sponsor of militant activity against Israel, facilitating arms transfers and providing operational guidance to its proxies.
Iran’s direct missile attacks on Israel, including the October 1, 2024, ballistic missile strike targeting cities across the country, serve as a reminder of the broader strategic threat facing the region. Any post-war framework that fails to neutralize Hamas as a military entity risks enabling continued Iranian aggression.
For reconstruction efforts to be successful, they must be grounded in a framework that ensures lasting security. This includes:
- Comprehensive Disarmament – The full dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities, including its rocket arsenal, tunnel networks, and weapons stockpiles.
- Elimination of Terrorist Governance – Any governing entity in Gaza must be free from ties to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any other Iran-backed group.
- Security Coordination with Israel – Any security force operating in Gaza must collaborate with Israel to prevent the reemergence of militant activity.
- Oversight of Humanitarian Aid – Reconstruction funds and humanitarian assistance must be carefully monitored to prevent their exploitation by terrorist organizations, as has occurred in the past.
The UAE’s engagement with the United States on this issue suggests a shift toward a more pragmatic approach to Gaza’s reconstruction. Rather than aligning with Egypt’s proposal for PA-led governance, the UAE appears to be advocating for a security-first framework that prioritizes regional stability and prevents the resurgence of Hamas.
These discussions underscore the broader challenge facing the international community: ensuring that post-war Gaza is not merely rebuilt, but fundamentally restructured to eliminate the conditions that enabled Hamas to wage war against Israel. The reconstruction process must be guided by principles that ensure long-term security and prevent future conflict.
Ultimately, the future of Gaza cannot be determined by political expediency but must be based on a strategic framework that guarantees the safety of Israeli citizens and regional stability. The UAE’s involvement in shaping this discourse may prove instrumental in achieving that goal.
