A new international initiative aimed at weakening Hamas’ grip on Gaza is expected to begin within weeks, with the launch of humanitarian zones in areas outside the terrorist group’s control. The pilot program will reportedly start in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood near Rafah and is intended to separate Gaza’s civilian population from Hamas while expanding humanitarian assistance.

According to a report in Yisroel Hayom, preparations for the project are already underway. Under the plan, a multinational force operating under the Peace Council will deploy to Israel in the coming weeks and establish itself at a newly constructed base near the Gaza Strip. Those personnel are expected to be equipped with non-firearm weapons for maintaining public order while securing the humanitarian compounds.

At the same time, the Peace Council is reportedly identifying sites in communities bordering Gaza where large logistical warehouses will be established. These facilities are expected to serve as supply hubs for food, medicine, and other essential goods destined for the humanitarian shelters, with the goal of reducing Gaza civilians’ dependence on Hamas.

The initiative is based on Article 17 of the Trump agreement, which provides for temporary rehabilitation in areas cleared of Hamas control. According to officials involved in the plan, permanent reconstruction materials such as concrete will not be introduced at this stage. Instead, temporary housing units and essential public services will be provided.

The broader strategy envisions a two-pronged campaign. While the IDF continues expanding its operational presence beyond the so-called Yellow Line and further reducing Hamas-controlled territory, the Peace Council will seek to draw civilians into the new humanitarian zones, gradually depriving Hamas of its population base, territory, and resources.

The proposal has generated significant debate. Some residents of communities near Gaza argue that the plan should not proceed as long as Hamas remains armed and refuses to disarm. Others, including senior government officials and former high-ranking IDF officers, contend that isolating Hamas from the civilian population offers the best chance of dismantling the organization.

Security experts have nevertheless warned of potential risks. Although the plan provides for freedom of movement into and out of the humanitarian zones, critics caution that Hamas could exploit that freedom to maintain influence over civilian movement, similar to what they say occurred around previous aid distribution sites.

The Peace Council has also reportedly adopted a firm position regarding Gaza’s future governance. According to officials familiar with the discussions, neither the proposed technocratic committee nor the Palestinian Authority will be permitted to assume responsibility in Gaza while Hamas remains armed.

Those officials said that under the framework of the U.N. Security Council resolution and President Trump’s 20-point plan, the Palestinian Authority would not return to Gaza without major reforms, while the technocratic committee would not administer Hamas-controlled areas in order to avoid creating what they described as a “Lebanon model,” in which an armed group effectively dominates the state. Instead, the Peace Council and the committee would oversee only limited areas brought under the new framework. As one official put it, “No one intends to wait for Hamas.”

Meanwhile, the report says the U.S. administration continues to oppose a return to large-scale Israeli military operations in Gaza. In response, the IDF has reportedly intensified its campaign of targeted eliminations aimed at weakening Hamas. Israeli officials also insist that, despite residents’ concerns, the military will not withdraw from the Yellow Line and instead intends to deepen its operational hold in those areas.

Summarizing the government’s approach, one senior official said, “We are maneuvering within the American restrictions, increasing the pace of targeted eliminations while remaining below the threshold of international criticism—and that will continue as long as Hamas is unwilling to disarm.”

{Matzav.com}