Israeli Fire Paused as Multinational Force Delay Gives Hamas Time to Rebuild in Gaza

The implementation of the peace council's plan and the deployment of a multinational force in Gaza have been postponed until at least October, with a possibility of further delay until after the upcoming Israeli elections. According to N12, Morocco is expected to contribute around 500 troops to the mission, while Kosovo and Albania will each send several dozen soldiers. However, Israeli officials doubt the force will enter Gaza in the near term.

The establishment of the "Green Rafah" neighborhood in eastern Rafah, promoted by the United Arab Emirates, is also delayed. Although groundwork and infrastructure preparations have recently been approved, construction is expected to take about six months, with housing units unlikely to be placed before November 2026, post-elections.

Meanwhile, the Shin Bet is working to train local militias to act as an alternative governing force in Gaza, aiming to create a Hamas-free zone. This approach has previously failed, as key militia leaders were killed and remaining groups have not established effective control. The civilian component of the plan, including the entry of a Palestinian technocratic committee into Gaza, remains stalled.

Behind the scenes, Mohammed Dahlan is advancing a major humanitarian aid and reconstruction initiative in Gaza on behalf of the UAE, strengthening his political base. The delays grant Hamas valuable time to rearm, recruit new members, and rebuild its strength, as Israeli military strikes have ceased. The ongoing political developments and upcoming elections in Israel risk prolonging this interim period, allowing Hamas to consolidate its position instead of Gaza's reconstruction moving forward.