Day 762 - US plans for 'new Gaza' are win for Israel

19 snips

Nov 6, 2025

Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel, shares his insights on U.S. plans for a 'new Gaza,' featuring residential neighborhoods on the Israeli side of the ceasefire line. He highlights Gulf states' hesitation over maintaining Israeli control and the risks for Hamas. The discussion delves into the proposed international security force, potential troop contributors, and the complex factors behind U.S. pressure to ensure safe passage for Hamas operatives. Finally, the episode examines the possibility of granting foreign press access to Gaza amidst evolving political dynamics.

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INSIGHT

US Pushes 'New Gaza' On Israeli Side

The US proposes building “New Gaza” residential areas on the Israeli-controlled half to house up to 1 million displaced Palestinians.
Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia resist, fearing prolonged Israeli control and Hamas entrenchment.

INSIGHT

Contested Role For International Security Force

The US envisions an international security force (ISF) to secure borders, protect aid, and demilitarize Gaza by seizing weapons.
Many Arab states balk at sending troops if expected to fight Hamas, preferring limited roles on the Israeli side.

INSIGHT

Potential Troop Contributors Yet Uncommitted

Countries named as potential contributors include Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey, but none have publicly committed.
Indonesia has offered troops only under a UN mandate, pushing the US to seek Security Council authorization.

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As discussions continue about Jared Kushner's concept of 'new Gaza,' residential neighborhoods constructed for Gazans on the Israeli side of the ceasefire line, Magid discusses the lack of support for the plans from some of the Gulf donor countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Those countries have concerns that the plan maintains the status quo of Israeli control and leaves Hamas entrenched in Gaza.

There are also questions as to which countries are ultimately willing to send troops to guard borders and help deliver aid, and whether those troops will be involved in peacekeeping missions or peace-enforcing missions, says Magid, noting that the US wants the missions to demilitarize Gaza.

The US is pushing Israel on the matter of offering safe passage for a couple of hundred Hamas operatives still in Gaza tunnels, either letting them go back to the Hamas side of the yellow ceasefire line, says Magid, or offering them safe passage to another country, while forcing them to give up their weapons.

The issue of allowing the press into Gaza now that there is a ceasefire in place is also being pushed by the US. Magid notes that Israel's High Court of Justice gave the government 30 days to update its position. US President Donald Trump is also weighing in, says Magid, who notes that it is more likely to be settled in Israel's High Court.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

US looks to build ‘new Gaza’ on half of Strip under IDF control, but faces pushback

US pressures Israel to allow safe passage for 100 to 200 Hamas operatives in Rafah

With ceasefire in place, US renews request for Israel to allow foreign press into Gaza

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Pod-Waves.

IMAGE: Palestinians seen along the Gaza City seafront, following the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, October 18, 2025 (Ali Hassan/Flash90)

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