“U.S. and Israel Discuss Timetable for Scaling Back Combat in the Gaza War”
By: [Unknown Author]
In interviews, U.S. and Israeli leaders have revealed discussions about potentially scaling back combat operations in the fight against Hamas. While both sides agreed that the overall fight will take months, they did discuss the possibility of transitioning from high-intensity operations to more targeted ones over time.
The U.S. national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss Gaza’s post-war future. This included the potential return of Palestinian security forces to Gaza, who were driven from their jobs in 2007 by Hamas. This vision for security arrangements in Gaza is the first indication of Washington’s potential plan for the enclave.
However, the potential involvement of Palestinian security forces in Gaza has faced opposition from Israel, who has been vague about how the region will be run if Hamas is removed from power.
During his visit, Sullivan discussed a timetable for winding down the intense combat phase of the war with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. It was noted that it may take months to destroy Hamas, but it’s not clear if this refers to the current phase of heavy airstrikes and ground battles.
The offensive, which was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel, has driven a significant portion of Gaza’s population from their homes, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The Biden administration has expressed unease over Israel’s plans for Gaza’s future, but they have continued to offer support through weapons shipments and diplomatic backing.
The conflict has resulted in a devastating death toll in Gaza, with thousands killed and many more displaced. The ongoing fighting has also disrupted communication services across Gaza, leading to further challenges in the crisis.
In addition to ongoing airstrikes and ground assaults in Gaza, Israelis have been grappling with the aftermath of deadly Hamas attacks and hostage situations, driving the conflict to new heights.
Looking forward, the U.S. and Israel are considering various post-war scenarios, including the potential revitalization of the Palestinian Authority and the path to Palestinian statehood. However, these plans are met with challenges and opposition from Israeli leaders, highlighting the complex nature of the conflict in the region.