A New Hope: Can the EU Bring Peace to Gaza?

The horrific attacks perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli civilians in early October 2023 represent a shocking escalation of violence. Hundreds of innocent lives were brutally ended and thousands more traumatized. There can be no justification or equivocation when it comes to outright terrorism targeting ordinary people going about their lives. Hamas has shown its true colors as a radical Islamic terrorist organization, no different than ISIS or Al Qaeda in its nihilistic death cult ideology and barbaric tactics.

For far too long, the people of Gaza have suffered under the cruel yoke of Hamas rule. Kept impoverished and controlled by fear, the citizens of Gaza have been denied the basic human rights and dignities people deserve. Hamas has cynically used them as pawns in its reckless gambits and violent provocations against Israel. Meanwhile, decades of failed negotiations and agreements between Israeli and Palestinian leaders have only led to more bloodshed and entrenched hatreds on both sides.

The European Union, with its expertise in governance, institution building, and infrastructure development, represents perhaps the best hope for charting a new course.

Clearly, a bold new approach is needed to break this vicious cycle. The European Union, with its expertise in governance, institution building, and infrastructure development, represents perhaps the best hope for charting a new course. What if the EU were to take on a direct administrative mandate in Gaza for a limited period of time? With proper security guarantees and close coordination with regional partners, the EU could focus its efforts on improving lives and developing a new generation of responsible leaders in Gaza.

There would no doubt be many challenges ahead. But surely this idea merits serious consideration given the abject failure of prior initiatives. We must think outside the box if there is to be any hope for a peaceful and prosperous future in the region. The EU can provide the administrative expertise needed to set Gaza on a better path. But it will require political courage and an openness to innovative solutions.

The Ongoing Crisis in Gaza

In early October 2023, the Islamist group Hamas initiated a large-scale attack on Israel dubbed “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.” Over the course of several days, Hamas and other militants launched over 3,000 rockets at Israeli population centers while infiltrating border towns to carry out deadly ambushes on civilians and security forces.

The unprovoked assault sparked chaos and bloodshed across southern Israel. Attendees at a music festival in Re’im were ruthlessly gunned down, resulting in over 260 deaths. Communities like Be’eri and Kfar Aza witnessed horrific massacres of men, women and children by Hamas fighters. At least 1,200 Israelis have been reported killed so far.

Hamas militants also took over 100 hostages, abducting them back to Gaza. Some of the captives have been paraded in front of cameras, while the fate of many others remains uncertain. These actions likely constitute war crimes under international law.

In response, Israel launched widespread retaliatory airstrikes targeting Hamas facilities and combatants in Gaza. But in the densely populated strip, many civilians have also been killed and injured. Infrastructure like residential buildings, hospitals and media offices have been damaged or destroyed.

Over 900 Palestinians have died according to Gaza authorities, including hundreds of civilians. The fighting has displaced over 200,000 Gazans. Israel has also imposed a blockade, cutting off electricity and other critical supplies to the territory.

The escalating violence has extinguished faint hopes raised by a ceasefire in late September. Hamas said the offensive was justified by the killing of Palestinian militants earlier in the year along with Israeli actions at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound. But the scale of the attacks shocked Israelis and the world.

Both sides appear locked into a cycle of strikes and reprisals. A de-escalation of hostilities is urgently needed to prevent further loss of life. But the path forward remains unclear. After decades of failed initiatives, it may require truly bold thinking and diplomacy to unwind this rapidly worsening crisis.

The Failure of Past Approaches

The history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is littered with failed negotiations, broken ceasefires, and violent clashes that shatter any flickering hopes for peace. Despite periodic optimism when leaders come together to announce a new agreement or initiative, none of these efforts have succeeded in breaking the cycle of violence.

The 1993 Oslo Accords, mediated by the United States, were meant to lay the groundwork for a two-state solution. But the optimism quickly faded amidst terrorist bombings and contentious disputes over settlements and borders. The 2000 Camp David Summit between Ehud Barak and Yasser Arafat collapsed over disagreements surrounding Jerusalem’s holy sites.

Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and subsequent democratic elections in 2006 that brought Hamas to power only led to more bloodshed. Clashes erupted between Hamas and Fatah forces in 2007, splitting the Palestinian leadership. Israel and Egypt blockaded Gaza in response to Hamas’ violence, imposing economic hardship on the population.

Other attempts at peace talks over the years, such as the Annapolis Conference in 2007 and John Kerry’s shuttle diplomacy in 2013-2014, similarly failed to make progress. Violent flareups like the Gaza Wars in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014 have only caused more death and destruction.

Leaders on both sides inevitably find it politically difficult to make concessions when trust remains so low. And extremist groups like Hamas feel empowered to launch attacks whenever they disagree with any moderation by Palestinian politicians. The interests of the Palestinian people get ignored as the violent status quo continues.

Gaza in particular has become an extremely dire humanitarian situation under Hamas’ authoritarian rule. Poverty, lack of economic opportunity, shortages of food and medicine, and devastated infrastructure contribute to Gazans’ feelings of despair. Hamas cynically exploits and encourages this desperation to recruit militants and justify attacks against Israel.

Diplomatic efforts clearly remain necessary. But it seems unlikely that just another round of negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders will succeed without a truly new approach.

Meanwhile, continued settlement expansion in the West Bank pours more fuel on the fire. Violent clashes erupted at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque compound in 2023. But the biggest humanitarian crisis remains in Gaza under Hamas’ authoritarian rule. Poverty, lack of economic opportunity, shortages of food and medicine, and devastated infrastructure contribute to Gazans’ feelings of despair. Hamas cynically exploits and encourages this desperation to recruit militants and justify attacks against Israel. The people trapped in Gaza deserve better than to just be bargaining chips in an endless tug of war over land and principles between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

It must also be acknowledged that Hamas’ ability to maintain its stranglehold over Gaza is enabled by support from Iran. Tehran cynically uses Hamas as a proxy force in its efforts to destabilize Israel and pursue regional dominance. In the past, Iran provided funding, weapons, and training to Hamas militants. The regime in Tehran is the cause behind much of the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza under Hamas’ cruel rule.

Furthermore, Hamas ruthlessly suppresses any hints of moderation or collaboration with Israel from potential new leaders in Gaza. The group maintains its iron grip through fear, intimidation and summary executions. There is little hope for new moderate leaders to organically emerge and guide Gaza in a better direction while Hamas’ radicalism prevails. Any flicker of dissent is quickly snuffed out.

Diplomatic efforts clearly remain necessary. But it seems unlikely that just another round of negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders will succeed without a truly new approach. Too much bad blood has accumulated after decades of violent conflict. The people trapped in Gaza deserve better than to just be bargaining chips in an endless tug of war over land and principles.

If there is to be hope for a better future, an outside force with credibility may need to provide an alternative vision and path forward. The EU represents the ideal impartial broker – a major world power with peacekeeping and institution-building expertise that most parties can accept.

A UN Mandate for EU Administration in Gaza

Given the utter failure of past initiatives to bring peace and prosperity to Gaza, the time may have come for the European Union to take on an administrative role in Gaza for a limited period of 5 years, under a UN mandate. The EU has the resources, expertise, and positioning to potentially chart a better course for the devastated territory.

However, the EU must first recognize that its past engagement with Palestine requires reassessment. The EU provided extensive aid to Palestine over the years, but insufficient oversight raises serious concerns that EU funding may have been, directly or indirectly, used by Hamas for radicalization and violence rather than development.

The time may have come for the European Union to take on an administrative role in Gaza for a limited period of 5 years, under a UN mandate.

Part of the proposed mandate would require strict auditing and accountability for how every euro is spent. The EU needs to reset its relationship with both sides in a more balanced manner and apply uncompromising financial discipline. This intervention offers the EU a chance to demonstrate genuine even-handed commitment to sustainable economic development and de-radicalization in Palestine.

More specifically, the UN Security Council could authorize an EU-led multinational peacekeeping force to deploy to Gaza for an initial phase of restoring security and order. The EU could retain operational control of the force, which could draw personnel and resources from major European powers like France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland.

Additional security support could be provided by other important stakeholders such as the United States, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. However, the EU would hold overall command responsibility during this initial stabilization phase. Careful rules of engagement would need to be established to prevent excessive use of force. But the force would have a robust mandate to neutralize any extremist holdouts who actively disrupt the peace process or attack peacekeepers.

Once a minimum level of stability is achieved after an estimated 6-12 months, Gaza would hold a referendum on whether the EU should assume full administrative control for a 5-year term. UN observers would monitor the vote to ensure its credibility. To be implemented, the proposal would need endorsement by a popular majority of Gazans.

The priority would be rebooting foundational institutions to deliver transparency, accountability and improved quality of life for Gazans.

If approved, the EU would establish a transitional governing authority over Gaza’s civic institutions. Experienced EU bureaucrats would fill leadership and advisor roles throughout Gaza’s ministries and administrative offices. These technocrats would bring extensive EU best practices in areas like economic development, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and social services.

The priority would be rebooting foundational institutions to deliver transparency, accountability and improved quality of life for Gazans. Major investments and reforms would focus on healthcare, education, utilities, sustainable job creation, infrastructure, addressing environmental degradation, and cultural development.

Strict financial oversight and management would prevent diversion of aid money and resources to militants. Dedicated EU anti-fraud authorities would ensure funds directly benefit the Palestinian people through economic development and public services. Major infrastructure projects like roads, hospitals, power plants, sewage treatment facilities, and schools would provide tangible improvements while employing thousands of locals.

The EU’s direct administration offers several advantages compared to relying on existing parties who have failed to deliver progress. As an impartial outside actor, the EU can bring more credibility than either Israel or Hamas. EU leadership may prove more acceptable to Gazans versus continued totalitarian rule by Hamas. And the EU has a proven track record of efficiently governing through its bureaucratic machinery.

Challenges and Criticisms

While a UN mandated EU administration in Gaza offers potential, it would also face considerable obstacles that require extensive planning and consultation to address:

Obstacles at the UN Security Council: Russia and China may be reluctant to authorize a direct EU mandate in Gaza at the Security Council. Their broader geopolitical tensions with Europe could lead them to veto such a proposal.

If UN Security Council authorization is not feasible, the EU could pursue a majority vote in the UN General Assembly to provide legitimacy under the “Uniting for Peace” resolution. This pathway has precedent from the Korean War, when the USSR vetoed Security Council action. While not legally binding, General Assembly approval would provide important moral and political backing.

The EU could also reference past UN reports detailing Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation to argue the intervention is justified on moral and ethical grounds. The EU can utilize creative diplomacy to maximize international support, even without Security Council approval.

Winning a referendum: Hamas currently exerts near total political and social control over Gaza. The group would likely oppose any vote diluting their power. With proper security and assurances of safety, it is possible most civilians would approve EU efforts to rebuild Gaza. However, years of indoctrination could lead some to vote against foreign oversight. The EU must convince everyday Palestinians through word and deed how concrete improvements will result from its involvement.

The EU has world-class expertise in governance, development and nation-building that make it uniquely qualified to attempt this bold peacekeeping experiment.

Resistance from militants: Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad still wield significant armed capabilities even after recent conflicts with Israel. They may vigorously oppose initial efforts to stabilize Gaza militarily. However, military action would be narrowly targeted against extremists who actively disrupt the peace process. It is possible some Hamas members may pragmatically acquiesce to new leadership that offers economic hope. Outreach could convince some factions to embrace EU plans. Ongoing counterterrorism would be critical.

Pushback from politicians: Some Israeli politicians may oppose ceding Israeli control over Gaza and favor direct Israeli administration. The Palestinian Authority might also prefer regaining influence in Gaza. However, the strict time limitation and development focus of the EU initiative may render both of them open to the idea. Strong American and Arab state backing woule be vitally important to overcome political hesitancy.

Resentment about outsiders: Gazans may initially resent European administrators replacing Hamas ministers and bureaucrats. The EU must tread carefully and enlist local partners, while conveying through words and actions how its oversight can improve daily life. Cultural awareness and language skills will be critical for EU personnel. Positioning the mandate as a path to prosperity could gain public support over time.

Burden sharing and mission creep: Global partners will need to assist with costs and peacekeeping personnel for this ambitious initiative. Clear boundaries are essential to avoid mission creep. But helping Gaza recover could offer Europe international prestige that helps justify costs. If the mandate succeeds, a more stable Gaza could reduce migration flows to Europe.

As with any complex undertaking, myriad challenges are inevitable. But the EU has world-class expertise in governance, development and nation-building that make it uniquely qualified to attempt this bold peacekeeping experiment. With extensive planning and safeguards, a UN backed EU administration offers a glimmer of hope for finally breaking the Gaza impasse.

A New Path Forward

The Gaza crisis represents an inflection point demanding courageous action. The tired responses of the past will only lead to more tragedy. As the world’s largest unified economic and political bloc, the European Union is uniquely positioned to chart a better course if empowered by the international community.

Through a UN mandate, the EU could utilize its formidable talents for governance, development and nation-building to administer Gaza for a transitional period. While challenges exist, the EU remains the best qualified actor to attempt this bold peacekeeping experiment.

Forward Europe offers a bold vision for enabling the EU to reach its full potential as a stabilizing world leader. We understand Europe’s responsibility to defend liberal democracy and foster enlightened solutions for global problems like the Israeli-Palestinian impasse.

Our movement advocates for a sovereign and integrated EU that safeguards our way of life and spreads prosperity. We support a robust European security force to keep Europe strong. We want to empower local communities to decide their own immigration policies, and we advocate for strong social policies to reverse our demographic decline.

Most importantly, we have faith in Europe’s mission to promote sustainable thinking, empower human dignity, and replace conflict with cooperation. But we must believe in ourselves and act upon our greatness.

The Gaza crisis represents a chance for the EU to actualize its immense potential for good. Forward Europe calls upon EU citizens and leaders to evaluate this possibility. We ask for your support as we advocate for Europe’s expanded humanitarian role. Join us as we guide the EU into a new era of global leadership.

Together, we can break free of tired dogmas and have the courage to forge a better path in Gaza and beyond.