The fragile ceasefire in Gaza has silenced the guns, but it has created a dangerous power vacuum. With Hamas’s administrative control shattered by the war, the most critical unanswered question is who will govern the territory’s 2 million people. This political black hole is the greatest threat to a lasting peace and a central challenge for President Trump’s Mideast summit.
The current deal makes no provision for post-war governance. Israel’s primary concern is security; it is determined to prevent Hamas from ever returning to power. This stance effectively vetoes any solution that includes the militant group, but Israel has not proposed a viable alternative beyond maintaining security control.
The international community, including many Arab states, would likely favor a revitalized Palestinian Authority (PA) taking over Gaza. However, the PA is weak, lacks popular legitimacy, and has been unable to effectively govern the West Bank, let alone take on the massive challenge of a post-war Gaza.
Other options, such as an international protectorate or a council of local Gaza leaders, are fraught with their own complexities and lack broad support. This leaves a perilous void. Without a recognized and legitimate authority, Gaza could descend into chaos, with rival clans, warlords, or a resurgent Hamas vying for control.
Finding an answer to the governance question will be the most difficult task for the leaders gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh. It will require a delicate compromise between Israel’s security needs, Palestinian aspirations for self-rule, and the interests of regional powers like Egypt. Without a new player to rule Gaza, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.