Edith Hejberg
Mediators warn that Gaza is at risk of entering a state that is “not war but not peace,” with a lingering Israeli military presence, no Palestinian self-rule, and minimal rebuilding.
The United States is pushing forward with a controversial plan to divide Gaza into two distinct zones: a “green zone” under Israeli and international military control, and a “red zone” that would be left in ruins with no reconstruction efforts.
Planning documents and briefings obtained by The Guardian show that the division would begin along the current Israeli-controlled “yellow line” and involve a gradual deployment of foreign forces alongside Israeli troops.
Reconstruction limited to ‘green zone’ under foreign military watch
The proposed “green zone” would be the only area where reconstruction is permitted, with international troops ensuring security.
US military planners see this zone as a first step towards rebuilding Gaza, though it would remain under heavy control. The plan, however, leaves the rest of Gaza, where the majority of the displaced population currently lives, without any clear path to recovery.
Abandoned ‘safe community’ camps reveal shifting strategy
Earlier proposals to build fenced-in “alternative safe communities” for small Palestinian groups were dropped this week, according to a US official. “That’s a snapshot of a concept that was put forth at a certain time,” the official said.
“They’ve already moved on from that.” Humanitarian agencies say they have not been officially informed of the change, further underlining the confusion surrounding US planning efforts.
Risk of ‘not war but not peace’ as divisions deepen
Mediators warn that Gaza is at risk of entering a state that is “not war but not peace,” with a lingering Israeli military presence, no Palestinian self-rule, and minimal rebuilding.
There is currently no firm timeline for Israeli withdrawal, and without an international peacekeeping force or large-scale reconstruction, Gaza could remain in political and humanitarian limbo.
Trump’s peace plan hinges on international stabilisation force
Donald Trump’s 20-point “peace plan” depends on an international stabilisation force (ISF), which the US hopes will soon be authorised by a UN security council resolution.
The US wants other nations to contribute troops, but has made clear it will not provide soldiers or fund the reconstruction. “The US has been very clear they want to set the vision and not pay for it,” one diplomat said.
Europe hesitant despite US push for troop contributions
Leaked US military plans named Britain, France, and Germany as key ISF contributors, with roles ranging from bomb disposal to road clearance. But these proposals have been met with skepticism.
One source described the plans as “delusional,” citing war fatigue from missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. As of now, only Italy has made any suggestion of contributing troops.
Jordan refuses to send troops despite US expectations
The US documents also suggested Jordan might send hundreds of soldiers and up to 3,000 police officers. But King Abdullah has explicitly ruled this out, calling his country “too close politically” to Gaza.
With over half of Jordanians of Palestinian descent, any cooperation with Israeli forces in Gaza could provoke major unrest at home.
New phase of military deployment to stay within green zone
A draft “concept of operation” describes the ISF as operating only within the green zone, starting with a small deployment and slowly expanding to 20,000 troops.
The plan does not cover western Gaza, where Hamas is regaining control. One US official stated clearly: “You’re not going to leave [the green zone].”
Foreign troops to staff border crossings with Israeli forces
One proposal involves foreign soldiers managing crossings along the yellow line in coordination with Israeli forces.
This is a red flag for many nations, who fear their troops could be drawn into clashes with Hamas or accused of supporting an ongoing occupation. The presence of foreign soldiers at these flashpoints is seen as highly controversial.
Palestinian police force assigned a minor role
Trump’s plan calls for a future Palestinian police force to take over internal security, but current US plans assign it a limited role.
An initial group of 200 recruits could eventually grow to 4,000 officers, far fewer than what would be needed to replace the ISF. The force would be developed slowly, further delaying any meaningful Palestinian self-governance.
US sees reconstruction as incentive for Palestinians to relocate
According to the US, reconstruction in the green zone could persuade Palestinians to voluntarily relocate.
“People will say ‘hey we want that,’” a US official said. However, critics note this echoes past failures in Iraq and Afghanistan, where “green zones” became symbols of occupation rather than hope.
Comparison to Iraq and Afghanistan raises alarms
The green zone concept carries echoes of failed US interventions. In Baghdad and Kabul, green zones were heavily fortified spaces where Western forces isolated themselves from the local population.
Observers fear the Gaza plan may follow a similar pattern, offering little more than a façade of stability while deepening divisions on the ground.
Urgent need for aid amid continued Israeli restrictions
More than 80% of Gaza’s structures are damaged or destroyed, including nearly all schools and hospitals.
Yet even with a ceasefire in place, Israel continues to restrict aid. Nearly 1.5 million Palestinians await basic shelter materials, while most of the population, over 2 million people, remain crammed into the unreconstructed red zone, living in dire conditions with limited access to water, food, and medical care.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, who may have used AI in the preparation
