The UAE and U.S. are discussing taking over Gaza – Here's what to know

The United Arab Emirates is discussing potentially administering the Gaza Strip after the Israel-Hamas war, according to a detailed Reuters report published today (Tuesday) that cited more than ten diplomats involved in the negotiations.

The proposal, while still in preliminary stages without formal documentation, envisions Emirati oversight of Gaza during an Israeli military withdrawal, with American supervision. The arrangement would serve as an interim solution until the Palestinian Authority could assume control, sources familiar with the discussions said.

Behind closed doors, Abu Dhabi is advocating for a reformed Palestinian Authority that would eventually govern Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem as part of an independent Palestinian state - a position Israel has publicly opposed. "The UAE will not participate in any plan that doesn't include significant Palestinian Authority reform, its empowerment, and establishing a credible roadmap toward a Palestinian state," a senior UAE official told Reuters.

A controversial element of the proposal includes UAE officials suggesting private contractors form a civilian security force to maintain order in post-war Gaza, though Western diplomats have expressed strong opposition to using private military contractors, citing concerns over civilian protection.

While Israel has shown openness to UAE involvement, given their peace agreement and shared opposition to Hamas, Israeli officials remain hesitant about withdrawal plans and future Palestinian Authority control. The U.S. State Department confirmed ongoing discussions but declined to elaborate on "private diplomatic conversations."

Reconstruction efforts could cost tens of billions of dollars and take years, experts estimate.

A spokesperson for Trump's transition team, when asked about Gaza, said a Trump-led US would do everything to ensure post-war Gaza could prosper.

The UAE emphasized it would only deploy forces with explicit Palestinian Authority approval, while demanding significant anti-corruption reforms from the current PA leadership under President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas senior official Bassem Naim immediately rejected the proposal, insisting "Gaza must remain Palestinian without external intervention."

Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.