Israel Reportedly Trying to Create Hamas-Free ‘Bubble’ Zones in Gaza

In a bold and complex endeavor, Israel is reportedly planning to establish "humanitarian enclaves" in northern Gaza, aimed at creating areas free from Hamas influence. 

This pilot initiative is set to be implemented in two cities, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, and, if successful, could serve as a model for wider application across the Gaza Strip.

The concept involves carving out Hamas-free “bubbles” where local Palestinians, unaffiliated with Hamas, would gradually take over responsibilities for aid distribution and civil governance. 

Initially, Israeli forces would maintain security within these zones, ensuring a stable transition. 

The long-term goal is for these areas to be self-sustained by local governance, providing a foundation for a post-Hamas Gaza.

The strategy behind these humanitarian enclaves aligns with a broader post-war plan to transfer some level of control over Gaza to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and moderate Arab states. 

This approach is seen as a potential pathway to rebuilding and stabilizing Gaza, which has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict.

Aid would enter Gaza through the Western Erez crossing, and local Palestinians would manage its distribution, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community. 

If the model proves effective in the northern regions, it could be expanded to other parts of Gaza, establishing a network of Hamas-free zones across the enclave.

Despite the optimistic outlook, there is considerable skepticism regarding the feasibility of this plan. 

Some former officials and experts argue that Israel has attempted similar strategies in the past without success. 

Identifying non-Hamas local leadership has proven difficult, with many leaders being targeted and eliminated by Hamas.

Additionally, the implementation of local governance by Palestinians unaffiliated with Hamas has faced significant challenges. 

Earlier attempts to involve local clans in aid distribution were met with violence and interference from Hamas, further complicating the situation.

This initiative is part of a larger, three-tiered post-war plan supported by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and the Israeli security establishment. 

The plan envisions a broad international coalition, including the PA and moderate Arab states, taking diplomatic and financial charge of post-war Gaza. 

The coalition would govern the humanitarian bubbles, ensuring that aid reaches those in need and that the regions remain free from Hamas influence.

Training for former PA personnel in Jordan and the West Bank is also being considered, with a focus on taking over security responsibilities in these Hamas-free zones. 

US Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel is reportedly involved in training a force identified by PA intelligence chief Mahed Faraj, aiming to secure and stabilize these areas.

Despite the ambitious plans, there are competing visions for the future of Gaza. 

Some members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s circle oppose any post-war strategy that involves the PA, preferring alternatives that do not require collaboration with Palestinian authorities.

One such alternative, proposed by the right-wing Misgav think tank, suggests a long-term Israeli military occupation of Gaza until a significant portion of Hamas’s military capabilities are dismantled. 

This proposal emphasizes maintaining control over northern Gaza and delaying reconstruction efforts until Hamas’s infrastructure is thoroughly dismantled.

As Israel’s nine-month offensive against Hamas draws to a close, the urgency to establish a post-war strategy becomes increasingly critical. 

Various plans, including those involving international coalitions and long-term military occupations, highlight the complexities and challenges of rebuilding and stabilizing Gaza.

While the creation of Hamas-free humanitarian enclaves presents a hopeful vision for a peaceful and self-sustained Gaza, the path to achieving this goal remains fraught with obstacles. 

The success of this initiative will depend on effective coordination, robust security measures, and the willingness of local Palestinians to embrace a new governance model free from Hamas influence.

In the coming weeks, as the pilot program unfolds in Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, the world will watch closely to see if these humanitarian enclaves can indeed pave the way for a new reality in Gaza, offering a glimmer of hope for a region long plagued by conflict and instability.