Gaza’s Reconstruction Plan: Experts Call for a Two-Zone Strategy to Counter Hamas Control

Gaza’s Reconstruction Plan: Experts Call for a Two-Zone Strategy to Counter Hamas Control

As the tenuous ceasefire in Gaza endures, a groundbreaking proposal is emerging — dividing the territory into two distinct areas. One side would remain under Hamas’s influence, while the other would offer a glimpse of life free from the terror group.

In light of Arab nations indicating that they will withhold funding for reconstruction efforts as long as Hamas governs, U.S. and Israeli officials are weighing a new strategy. This involves focusing on rebuilding parts of Gaza that remain under Israeli control, specifically the area referred to as the ‘yellow line.’ Experts suggest that this initiative aims to establish a tangible example of peace and revitalization, potentially motivating change within Hamas-dominated territories.

The areas currently under Israeli authority behind the so-called yellow line represent roughly 58% of Gaza, which includes the entirety of Rafah in the south, substantial sections of Khan Younis, and northern neighborhoods like Beit Lahia and Shujaiyya. Meanwhile, Hamas controls the remaining territory, including the densely populated Gaza City. Despite the presence of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Hamas operatives continue to operate actively near the front lines.

Expert Insights on Gaza’s Division

John Spencer, executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute, described the proposal to partition Gaza into separate zones as both a practical and psychological test. He believes this strategy could demonstrate to Gazans what life could entail without Hamas’s dominance.

Spencer coined the phrase ‘Disneyland strategy’ to encapsulate this concept, drawing parallels to U.S. counterinsurgency tactics implemented in Iraq.

“You take any segment of the problem — in this case, territory — and you eliminate all the obstacles: Hamas, tunnels, weaponry, and so forth,” he explained. “After that, you allow civilians access and construct something new, such as markets, buildings, schools, and utility services. We termed it Disneyland because we envisioned it as a symbol of hope — a representation of the future.”

He further clarified that this approach follows the ‘clear, hold, build’ model that was utilized in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where military personnel systematically secured neighborhoods one at a time. “In Ramadi, we accomplished this neighborhood by neighborhood until we had control over the entire city,” he stated. “You secure it, clear it, and then let the local populace take the reins. It’s historically proven effective. You don’t have to completely eradicate Hamas to initiate these efforts.”

Ultimately, Spencer emphasized that the objective is to provide both Gazans and the international community with a tangible representation of life devoid of Hamas control.

Life Under Hamas: A Daily Struggle

Despite the appearances of life returning in some areas, fear remains a defining characteristic in Hamas-controlled Gaza. One resident, speaking to Fox News Digital under the condition of anonymity, expressed profound apprehension. “Since the ceasefire commenced, we live in constant fear,” they remarked. “We dread hearing that Jared Kushner has indicated reconstruction will solely occur in regions not governed by Hamas. Trump and Netanyahu assured us that Hamas would be defeated — yet here we are, witnessing their resurgence and feeling trapped once again.”

The resident further elaborated, stating, “While there is food available at the markets and prices are decreasing, the destruction that surrounds us is overwhelming.”

Hope for a New Gaza

For those on the Israeli-controlled side of the yellow line, envisioning a redesigned Gaza even in a limited capacity evokes feelings of liberation. Hussam al-Astal, who leads an anti-Hamas militia in Khan Younis, shared with Fox News Digital, “Our goal is not to govern Gaza or seize power. Our mission, once the Hamas-ISIS regime collapses, is to ensure the safety of the people and usher them through a transitional period toward civilian governance that aligns with their values, free from personal agendas.”

Al-Astal accused Hamas of using the ceasefire to turn its violence inward. He expressed a call to action: “We implore the international community to safeguard us from Hamas’s terror. Our fight is not for control but for a dignified life. We aspire for a new Gaza.”

Numerous sources report that Israel has already provided limited assistance to al-Astal and other anti-Hamas groups operating on the ground.

Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, noted, “We witnessed a brief glimpse of collaboration when the Majayda clan, alongside anti-Hamas fighter Hosam al-Astal, successfully repelled Hamas forces in a localized confrontation, with air support from the IDF. This serves as a small-scale example of the broader scenario likely to unfold — local forces, backed by Israel, driving Hamas out from the grassroots level.”

The Ramifications of Two Distinct Gazas

Both Spencer and Braude concur that the emergence of a bifurcated Gaza is not merely coincidental — it aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to establish a two-state peace framework.

Braude articulated, “We are moving towards a reality where reconstruction can commence in designated areas behind the yellow line, even as conflict persists in other regions of Gaza. Hamas does not belong to this peace dialogue; it remains an aggressor. Reconstruction does not hinge on Hamas’s cooperation and will begin in areas where its influence is diminished, while efforts to eradicate its presence continue elsewhere in the Strip.”

Braude continued, laying out the plan’s vision for creating emerging enclaves of autonomy that could eventually coalesce into a coalition resembling a Gazan Interim Transitional Authority.

He concluded by asserting, “The development of local military forces to counteract Hamas is a welcomed capability amongst Gazans, supported by Israel and its allies. However, establishing a stable government characterized by continuity, a rules-based system, and robust institutions presents a considerable challenge.”