Negotiated Solution to the Gaza War

Initial Stage of the Settlement

The first step would involve Israel signing a peace agreement with Hamas. This agreement would require:

• The disbandment of Hamas as an military organization within the State of Gaza.

• The agreement of the political wing of Hamas to renounce violence as a tool of political engagement

• Immediate release of all Israeli hostages.

• Withdrawal of Israeli forces to the Gaza border, with a one-mile buffer zone inside Gaza.

• Recognition of the State of Gaza in three years.

• Normal humanitarian aid including unlimited food and medical supplies, would be immediately admitted into the Gaza strip. Israel would permit normal electric power and water service to be restored to the Gaza strip.

  
  

• The State of Gaza would be administrated by Qatar for an initial three year period. Qatar would put in place a 10,000 man security force to police Gaza during this period, made up of citizens of Gaza and international control elements. The United States would pay for the cost of administration.

  
  

• Citizens of Gaza would be permitted to leave Gaza for any jurisdiction that would agree to accept them. They would retain their citizenship in Gaza during this period.

Stage Two:

• The construction of a 12-foot concrete wall surrounding Gaza, with a one-mile internal agricultural zone along the border.

• An area of Gaza adjacent to the Egyptian border—approximately 8 miles by 8 miles—would be selected for rehabilitation. Eight miles along the ocean would be developed to the same density as Miami, but with capacity for 60% of Gaza’s population. The rest of Gaza would be redeveloped to accommodate the remaining population.

• A modern city would be built in this area, including business zones and housing for the population of Gaza, if they choose to move there. This relocation would be at their discretion. Housing construction would be funded by a coalition of Gulf States and would be provided to citizens of Gaza interest-free for five years. After that period, the owners of these units would begin making interest payments. The initial construction of these units would be in an area 400 square feet back from the coast, at a density of Manhattan. The housing units wold include space for schools, hospitals, and commercial areas. It would be a modern city on the American model. The waterfront space would be held for development in a third phase.

• The area of Gaza would be governed by Qatar for a three year period, in which Qatar would provide policing powers. Members of Hamas would not be permitted to be police in the first three years. Elections would be held to select a local city government after two years, which would take control of Gaza after three years.

Third Phase

• The broader territory of the State of Gaza, which would be internationally recognized including by Israel after three years of peaceful existence, would be rebuilt over time with private and public funds from governments and individuals wishing to participate. Damaged buildings would be demolished and repurposed into construction material.

• After the initial period of three years, the government of Gaza would be chosen by the citizens of Gaza, with the proviso that it would renounce violence as a tool for reintegration with Israel.

• The Gulf States would construct modern international airport in the remaining territory of Gaza, adjacent to the new city.

• Citizens would be allowed to freely leave and return, as normal citizens of a sovereign state.

• The Gulf States would build a seaport for the state of Gaza.

• The State of Gaza would be surrounded by a concrete wall and a 5,000 square-foot agricultural zone. In times of peace, normal movement and commerce would be permitted between Gaza and Israel. Citizens of other countries would be allowed to enter Gaza, own property, run businesses, and behave as visitors or residents.

• The State of Gaza would be immediately recognized by Israel, Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the Gulf States.

• Gaza citizens would be permitted to temporarily relocate to any accepting country—including the West Bank, the United States, European nations, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon—without losing their Gaza citizenship.