Reports from Israeli media indicate that the far-right government is contemplating a proposal from Global Delivery Company (GDC), a private security firm led by Israeli-American businessman Moti Kahana. This plan involves creating secure “aid zones” in Gaza, purportedly to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The GDC’s proposal aims to establish these zones in areas like the Al-Atatra neighborhood, allowing residents to access aid while potentially returning to their homes. The company plans to deploy around 1,000 American fighters to oversee these operations, which critics fear may signal the beginning of a prolonged Israeli military presence in Gaza.
Kahana has characterized the initiative as a move to create “gated communities” within Gaza. If successful, the model could be replicated for the broader reconstruction of the region and undermine Hamas’s authority.
As part of this strategy, the Israeli military is intensifying operations in northern Gaza, particularly around Jabalia refugee camp, resulting in significant casualties and displacement of Palestinian families. The ongoing conflict has reportedly claimed over 850 lives and injured more than 1,000 people, with many residents forced to evacuate their homes.
Local Palestinian leaders have expressed strong opposition to the involvement of private military firms, viewing it as a threat to Palestinian sovereignty. Many refuse to engage with GDC, insisting that foreign involvement compromises their cause. Some residents, like Mohammed Abed from Jabalia, have vowed to remain steadfast despite the siege and ongoing violence.
Political analysts warn that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach seeks to further marginalize the Palestinian Authority and solidify Israeli control over Gaza, while U.S. support for this strategy raises concerns about the lack of oversight and adherence to international humanitarian laws by private contractors.
Experts agree that Israel’s attempt to outsource its occupation is unlikely to succeed. They stress the importance of Palestinian unity between factions like Hamas and Fatah as crucial to confronting Israeli plans and restoring political legitimacy. This unity could enhance Palestinian influence on both regional and international stages, countering Israeli colonial ambitions.
