· 3 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The U.S. and Israel are advancing a controversial proposal to divide Gaza into two zones: one under Israeli control where reconstruction would begin, and another still governed by Hamas, pending the group's disarmament
• The plan, discussed publicly by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Jared Kushner during a visit to Israel, follows a partial Israeli military withdrawal that currently leaves Israel in control of approximately 53% of Gaza
🔭 The context: The proposal comes amid a fragile cease-fire, with growing international pressure to find a long-term solution for post-conflict governance and humanitarian recovery in Gaza
• The idea of dividing the territory is not new, but its formalization marks a shift in U.S. engagement under the Trump administration
• Kushner, previously involved in the 2020 Abraham Accords, is once again playing a central diplomatic role. The plan appears to be a temporary measure aimed at incentivizing Hamas’ disarmament while initiating reconstruction efforts
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A divided Gaza raises significant concerns for humanitarian access, environmental degradation, and long-term urban recovery
• Infrastructure rebuilding on only one side of the enclave could deepen socio-environmental inequalities and complicate the delivery of water, energy, and waste services — already severely strained
• Sustainable reconstruction depends on unified governance, inclusive planning, and environmental safeguards, all of which are at risk under a bifurcated control model
⏭️ What's next: Diplomatic envoys from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.N. are expected to engage with both Israeli and Palestinian stakeholders to assess the viability of the proposal
• Implementation would require significant security guarantees, clear disarmament mechanisms for Hamas, and international coordination for humanitarian aid and infrastructure funding
• The coming weeks will test whether this framework can gain regional support or further entrench political divisions
💬 One quote: “We are focused on rebuilding where we can, while making clear that the path to peace lies in demilitarization,” — Vice President JD Vance during the press briefing
📈 One stat: Israel currently controls approximately 53% of Gaza’s territory under the cease-fire terms, marking the largest sustained Israeli presence in the enclave since 2005
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