Khaberni - The United States has decided to launch the reconstruction process from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, which will later expand to other areas.
The reasons for this decision are that Rafah is currently empty of residents and devastated, which allows for a large-scale reconstruction operation, in addition to it not being under Hamas control.
An advisor to the US President said in a briefing to journalists: "There are areas like Rafah that are currently behind the yellow line, completely displaced, and can be a wonderful first stage for redevelopment, where you can urge a lot of people to work very quickly and try to start reconstruction seriously. You can create a local security force, and provide a suitable civilian environment, enabling people to live again."
The US official revealed that "the initial focus is on creating the right conditions, i.e., lowering the level of conflict, delivering humanitarian aid, then focusing on disarmament."
The US official stated, "We are looking forward to starting reconstruction in areas that are currently considered free from Hamas terrorism."
He added, "These areas will be able to start creating the right environment to make Gaza active areas. We hope this will be an example of what can be achieved in the entire region if this program is successful. This is the current situation."
He continued, "It is a very complex process, but there are many people working hard to achieve it. It is a very difficult goal, but there is still a lot of work to get there. What I would like to say is to be patient and watch."
The international forces
An advisor to the US President, who preferred not to disclose his name, indicated that work is ongoing on establishing an international force from several countries.
He said that this international force has supervisory logistical roles and is not combative at all. This is not what is called ground forces, as far as participation in combat or endangering people's lives. They are basically a coordination and supervision mechanism."
He added, referring to the American force: "Currently, there are probably between ten and twenty soldiers on the ground to assist in preparing this operation. We have given this the highest priority to ensure the situation stabilizes. I believe the role that America can play here lies in our great trust, as you know, from various parties in this issue."
He continued, "We can act as a judge in matters, and a center for exchanging information. We are striving hard to design appropriately and prioritize to ensure things go as smoothly as possible to ensure this success."
He added, "But the goal is to benefit from all local partners willing to help and participate, then help them organize themselves and define their tasks, and determine what they will do to accomplish the various tasks needed to succeed in this matter."
Regarding the second and third stages of the American plan, an advisor to the US President mentioned that "we have excellently passed the first stage. And now we are all working hard to prepare the necessary conditions for the successful implementation of these next two stages of calling for a non-political Palestinian technocrat rule."
He said, "This process has begun finding the right people, convincing them, and creating the appropriate conditions for that. But, as you know, the goal is not to indulge in the old war games, like statehood, sovereignty, and rule. It's like 'let’s make this place practical'. Again, President Trump focuses on pragmatism and results."
He added, "We are trying to move away from traditional diplomatic methods which, frankly, did not achieve a better life for the Palestinian people nor peace in the region. Therefore, as you know, President Trump believes the path to real peace is through addressing important issues like security and economic opportunities. This is what he has done at home, and this is what he is doing abroad. And that's really what the focus is on."
He continued, "While we are working on preparing these conditions, the goal is for everyone to be happy living side by side and benefiting from each other. Then, as you know, there are many different things that can be named, but can be agreed upon in the future."
Regarding the establishment of a non-political Palestinian technocrat rule, the American presidential advisor said, "There have indeed been many people who have reached out to us, and we are proceeding slowly in this regard. We have some time for that, but there are many people who also reach out to us."
He added, "I think people realize that Hamas is weaker than ever, and they see that the future differs in Gaza. Therefore, more and more people have the courage to start reaching out to us. As you know, there are many very successful Palestinians in the diaspora, who, as you know, really want to see an end to their people’s suffering, and they have also reached out in pursuit of participating."
The US official continued, "This is the first time they believe in the possibility of finding a new alternative. Neither the Palestinian Authority nor Hamas. This could finally be a leadership that allows the Palestinian people to be liberated from poverty, the poor conditions they live in, which are often caused by poor leadership and wrong decisions."
He added, "So there are many people reaching out, where the committee or peace council will eventually choose who they select. But there are many people, and I think it could be very successful if the right leaders are available who do it for valid reasons and try to establish a new system compared to the old systems of patronage and corruption that failed."
Disarmament
Regarding disarmament in Gaza, the American advisor said, "It was clear that both parties agreed that Gaza would be disarmed. Obviously, achieving this is extremely difficult. And right now we are determining how to achieve that."
He added, "The prevailing feeling among Arab mediators and Hamas is that they still want to continue to work together and find a way to achieve that. So we are working closely and creatively to try to find the right outcome that satisfies everyone's goals. And what we clearly said is that aid will enter, but no funds will be allocated for reconstruction in areas controlled by Hamas."
The US official stressed, "The first.stage was very successful. We are now moving to the second stage, and we will achieve similar.success in the second stage and implementation."
In the meantime, Israeli Channel 12 reported that Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer had a discussion today with President Trump's envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, to discuss the issue of the detained hostages and continue the implementation of the war ending agreement, according to a source familiar with the details of the conversation."
The discussion also included the commander of the US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper.
