A humanitarian, 242-based phased solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict
Short-term solution for the Gaza Strip
First step:
The immediate first step should be taken by Israel: Unconditionally withdraw all its forces south of Wadi Gaza, and let an unimpeded terrestrial flow of humanitarian aid south of Wadi Gaza. Although everyone – both the Arab states and the international community – agree that Hamas has no future and must be replaced, solving the humanitarian crisis takes first place.
The Israeli policy regarding Gaza south to the Wadi Gaza should consist in the foreseeable future only on defensive measures, to avoid a repetition of the territorial invasion into Israeli territory by creating effective buffer zones, or to repel any aerial attack, either using the Iron Dome or air force strikes on the sources of fire south of Wadi Gaza.
Second step:
The second, almost immediate and concurrent step, is the demilitarization of the Gaza strip north of Wadi Gaza, and put it under Israeli administration. This will allow a return to normal life and the long-term security of the vast majority of the Israeli population bordering the Gaza strip. Hamas will not agree to this, and it will have to be done by force. As a result, most of the civilian population north of Wadi Gaza will be displaced. They will do this reluctantly, but they will do it, because they will now know that they have a safe and humanitarian place where to go: south of Wadi Gaza. Only vetted civilians will be allowed to return at a later stage, after reconstruction.
The Israeli hostages:
Israel and the US should stop the endless public spectacle of negotiating with Hamas. Where did the principle of not negotiating the release of hostages with terrorists go? This only increases their demands, and sets incentives for future massacres and hostage takings. However, for humanitarian reasons, a discreet negotiated swap between Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, can be pursued, with no additional strings attached to this humanitarian swap. This could upset some hostage families in Israel, who place the release of the hostages above any other consideration. However, for the sake of the millions of Israelis, for the sake of the Israeli people, this is the right thing to do.
The official Israeli position and the incentive for Hamas to release the Israeli hostages should be clearly stated and be straightforward: For as long as Hamas will not release the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, any armed men on the streets of the Gaza Strip will be fair target for the IDF. Gaza civilians should be cautioned to stay away from armed men, to avoid being caught in the crossfire and be killed.
Intermediate-term solution for the Gaza strip
Gaza strip south of Wadi Gaza: Hamas will be replaced by a govern-body consisting of military and administrative elements from the Arab countries that have relations with Israel, like Egypt, Jordan and the UAE. Reconstruction will begin, with the goal of formally incorporating the Gaza strip south of Wadi Gaza to Egypt.
The Gaza strip north of Wadi Gaza: Reconstruction will begin, with international funding, for three main new projects: 1) Build a modern port that will provide in the future a direct maritime access to the Mediterranean Sea to the present land-locked Jordan; 2) Build an underground aqueduct connecting Gaza with the West Bank, and desalinization plants, to provide potable water to the West Bank; 3) Build an underground tunnel connecting Gaza with the West Bank, for the free movement of people and goods.
Long-term solution for the Gaza strip
Gaza strip south of Wadi Gaza: Demilitarized and incorporated to Egypt
Gaza strip north of Wadi Gaza: Demilitarized and incorporated to Jordan.
Short and intermediate-term solution for the West Bank
Under Israeli administration to guarantee Israel’s security.
Long-term solution for the West Bank
A demilitarized West Bank, with an international-recognized border between Jordan and Israel, based on the 242-UNSC resolution. Jerusalem will remain unified and under Israeli sovereignty, with the exception of the Old City of Jerusalem, with arrangements based on President Clinton’s proposal: The Muslim and Christian quarters will be under Jordan sovereignty, and the Armenian and Jewish quarters under Israeli sovereignty.
No one will be forced to leave his/her home
After a recognized international border in the West Bank between Israel and Jordan will be established, replacing the armistice (cease-fire) lines of 1949, some small Jewish towns, presently in the West Bank, might appear within Jordan’s international borders. Similarly, some small Arab towns, presently in the West Bank, might appear within the international border of Israel. The same might happen with some small Arab towns presently within Israel’s 1949 armistice borders: they might appear within Jordan’s international borders. No one will be forced to leave his/her home, and the individual civil rights of these people will be respected. This will include their rights to keep their ties with their fellow citizens on the other side of the international border. This will also include their right to hold dual-citizenship.
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For details, I refer you to my book “The root of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the path to peace” (September 2025 edition). The book can be downloaded for free at:
I recommend the digital free downloadable book. For those who prefer a hard copy, the book is also available in paperback at Amazon, at a minimum price ($0 royalties to the author.).
