Resolving the Debate: Haniyeh’s Stance on Arab Forces Entering Gaza

Watan-Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, commented on the reports circulated in recent days regarding a “proposal” for the presence of an Arab or Islamic force in the Gaza Strip after the end of the war, revealing the movement’s position on such proposals.

During his visit to Turkey, Haniyeh mentioned that there are options and alternatives proposed for managing the Gaza Strip after the end of the Israeli war, including the presence of an Arab force.

The Palestinian leader discussed what the situation might be for the administration of the Gaza Strip after the end of the Israeli war, saying, “There are options and alternatives proposed, including the presence of an Arab force, for example, and some countries are mentioned.”

“We welcome the entry of Arab forces into Gaza in this case”

he said in a televised interview with Anadolu Agency. “We welcome any Arab or Islamic force if its mission is to support our Palestinian people and help them liberate themselves from the occupation (Israel). However, if an Arab or international force comes to provide protection for the occupation, it is definitely rejected.”

Haniyeh also pointed out that “there are alternatives proposed but they are impractical and cannot succeed, and the management of Gaza must be done with Palestinian will.”

He called for what he called the Palestinian house arrangement, which consists of two levels:

• The leadership level within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization, where the PLO is rebuilt to include all factions.
• The second level is the formation of a national government for the West Bank and Gaza with three missions: overseeing reconstruction (in Gaza), unifying institutions in the West Bank and the Strip, and preparing for general presidential and legislative elections.

Haniyeh continued, “So we see the formation of a national consensus government for Gaza and the West Bank, which will oversee Gaza and manage the sector after the end of the war.”

He also noted that there are alternatives proposed but described them as “impractical, alternatives that cannot succeed.”

The day after the war

It is worth mentioning that the Israeli newspaper “Haaretz” had previously reported that member of the War Council Benny Gantz urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a call to start discussing the issue of the “day after” in Gaza with the United States and other countries in the region.

Regarding the so-called “day after,” Haniyeh said, “Hamas does not insist on being the sole authority in managing Gaza, but we are part of the Palestinian people and we can form a national unity government based on partnership and agreement to manage Gaza.”

Regarding a possible military operation by the Israeli army in Rafah, Haniyeh warned: “I call on all sisterly countries, our brothers in Egypt, our brothers in Turkey, our brothers in Qatar as mediators, and European countries to act to curb the aggression (Israeli aggression) and prevent the operation in Rafah, as well as complete withdrawal (of the Israeli army) from the Gaza Strip and end the attacks on Gaza.”

Haniyeh also called for Palestinians to be responsible for the efforts to rebuild Gaza. He praised Erdogan’s support for the Palestinian cause, expressing his gratitude, saying, “President Erdogan’s statement is undoubtedly a source of pride for us and for the Palestinian people.”