Cyprus talks aim to isolate Hamas as Gaza governance plan faces hurdles

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) concluded two days of highly productive talks in Cyprus with the Board of Peace, led by Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, to advance post-war governance and reconstruction in Gaza. The Board's strategy under Article 17 of the US-backed plan seeks to isolate Hamas by creating "Hamas-free" zones with temporary shelters and a multinational stabilization force, effectively leaving the group with "no people, no land, and no resources" Source: Al Jazeera.

The Plan

Article 17 envisions a "pincer movement" to separate Hamas from the population by directing reconstruction and aid to areas under Israeli control. A pilot project near Tal as-Sultan in Rafah is scheduled within weeks, with multinational forces equipped only with batons maintaining order Source: Al Jazeera. The NCAG reiterated its commitment to Trump's 20-point plan and said it is ready to assume responsibilities once conditions permit Source: Euronews.

Challenges

Despite the pledges, progress remains slow. The Board's reconstruction fund, administered by the World Bank, has received no money from donors Source: Euronews. The promised International Stabilisation Force has not materialized, with none of the five pledged countries contributing significant troops. Critics, including the Israel Envelope Forum, warn that even temporary reconstruction before Hamas is fully defeated gives the group a chance to regroup Source: Al Jazeera. Additionally, a leaked draft reveals the Board seeks sweeping legal immunity for its members, shielding them from Gaza courts Source: Al Jazeera.