Though there doesn’t seem to be much momentum behind it so far, former Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz is floating a proposal for a “endgame” solution to the ongoing Gaza Strip violence that would involve a “demilitarization” deal for the tiny enclave.
The details are pretty broad at this point, but it would seek a disarmament deal for all significant armed factions in the Gaza Strip, and would offer an initiative for some $50 billion in foreign aid.
The big difficulty will be getting the armed factions to agree to this, when they aren’t the ones getting the aid. Rather, the proposal suggests funneling all the aid through the Palestinian Authority.
Some quotes are already emerging spurning this plan, with one of the unnamed leaders saying they don’t want to give up their capabilities to defend Gaza. At the same time, it’s undeniable that they aren’t being effective in such defense, nor is there really a sufficient amount of weaponry the factions could have to realistically deter Israeli invasions.
On the Israeli side, the problem is two-fold: getting the Netanyahu government to stop the offensive and getting them to agree to let large amounts of aid into the strip. So far the indications are they won’t be willing to do either.
And given that the IDF will not be disarming at all.
Or maybe just annex Gaza and make it part of Israel proper again, and offer the Gazans full Israeli citizenship with all the rights of any other Israeli (or, if they do not wish citizenship, the opportunity to emigrate or resettle in the West Bank within a set timer period). It solves once and for all the territorial problems and gives groups like HAMAS no reason to exist. At that point Gaza can be rebuilt and used profitably for all concerned and, at least as far as Gaza is concerned Israel eliminates one argument against it as being 'apartheid'.
But, as common sense is in very short supply in the region I have serious doubts anyone will have entertained this thought.