Israel’s New Gaza Plan Signals Increased Control, Raising Concerns Over Military Withdrawal

The Israeli military has outlined a new governance plan for Gaza, signaling increased control over the Palestinian territory rather than a military withdrawal. The plan was presented to the United Nations (UN) and aid organizations, raising concerns about Israel’s long-term intentions in the region.

The proposal, detailed by Cogat, the Israeli military unit responsible for delivering aid to the occupied territories, involves strictly managed humanitarian hubs where vetted Palestinians would receive aid under Israeli supervision. The plan appears to be a modified version of the “humanitarian bubbles” concept attempted in Gaza over a year ago but later abandoned.

Key Features of the Plan

• Aid Distribution Under Israeli Control: Supplies would be delivered through tightly regulated logistics hubs, potentially secured by private security contractors but ultimately under full Israeli military oversight.
• Restricted Border Access: The Kerem Shalom crossing, controlled by Israel, would be the only entry point for aid, while the Rafah crossing with Egypt would be permanently closed.
• Tighter NGO Regulations: Only Israeli-registered NGOs would be allowed to operate, and all UN and humanitarian staff would have to undergo Israeli security vetting.
• Impact on UN Relief Efforts: The plan would severely restrict UNRWA’s operations, as the agency has been banned by Israel and relies on Rafah for aid distribution.

Political and Humanitarian Concerns

The plan comes as Israel negotiates the second phase of a ceasefire agreement, which includes discussions about a potential IDF withdrawal from Gaza. However, the Cogat plan suggests a continued Israeli presence, raising doubts about whether Israel intends to leave the region at all.

Aid organizations fear that this would extend Israel’s control over daily life in Gaza, limiting access to essentials. Palestinian aid officials argue that Israel is already blocking critical supplies, including water tankers and school materials, classifying them as potential “dual-use” items.

Meanwhile, Arab governments are working on a separate Gaza reconstruction plan, led by Egypt, with a $53 billion investment proposal that includes temporary housing and long-term rebuilding efforts. This plan is set to be presented at an emergency Arab League summit in Cairo.

“The Cogat plan is meant to counter the Arab plan,” said an aid worker in Jerusalem, emphasizing that Israel’s proposal prioritizes military control over humanitarian relief.

With children dying from cold exposure and essential aid deliveries restricted, critics argue that the Israeli strategy prioritizes control over humanitarian needs, raising urgent concerns about the future of Gaza.