Future plans for Gaza hinge on the defeat of Hamas, according to Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli. In a recent interview with Breitbart News, Chikli expressed strong support for a proposal put forth by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which advocates for U.S. control over the Gaza Strip. This plan includes resettling the local population and rebuilding the area into a thriving economic center, a strategy Chikli described as “bold” and “credible,” marking a significant departure from previous peace efforts that have failed.
Chikli highlighted that Trump’s approach signifies a break from the Oslo Accords paradigm, which had relied on territorial concessions to groups like the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas in hopes of achieving peace. The Oslo Accords, established in 1993 under President Bill Clinton, aimed to create a framework for Palestinian self-governance in exchange for Israeli territorial withdrawals. However, Chikli noted that these concessions led to increased violence and conflict rather than peace.
Reflecting on past Israeli withdrawals from Gaza and Lebanon, Chikli argued that these actions only empowered terrorist organizations, ultimately culminating in the recent conflict that escalated after the October 7 attacks. He stated, “The events of October 7 and the resulting war are a direct result of Israel’s so-called ‘courageous concessions.’”
Chikli emphasized that before any discussions about Gaza’s future can take place, Israel must achieve a decisive military victory over Hamas. He remarked, “Only after we achieve a total military victory over Hamas will we be able to seriously address the question of Gaza’s future.” The minister also expressed openness to international involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction, particularly from the United States and allied nations.
Addressing concerns over the morality of Trump’s proposal, which some critics argue could lead to the displacement of Gazans, Chikli countered that the real immorality lies in the refusal of Arab nations to accept Palestinian refugees. He pointed out the significant destruction in Gaza, indicating that rebuilding efforts could take over a decade and require substantial resources.
In the context of ongoing military operations against Hamas, Chikli praised Trump’s recent ultimatum to the group, which demanded the release of all hostages. He described this stance as an important declaration that underscores the need to eradicate Hamas’s threat.
Chikli also noted that recent shifts in U.S. policy under Trump, including the release of military aid previously withheld by the Biden administration, have placed Israel in a stronger strategic position. He concluded that Trump’s firm stance against Hamas and his innovative Gaza proposal could pave the way for a new regional strategy with long-lasting implications.
As the situation in Gaza remains tense, Israel continues its military operations in response to the October 7 attacks, which were characterized as the most devastating terrorist incident in the country’s history. The prospect of a new approach to Gaza, as advocated by Chikli and Trump, may signal a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape.