In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with officials from Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), held a meeting in Abu Dhabi last Thursday to deliberate over the future governance of Gaza after the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict comes to an end. The meeting, hosted by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed (ABZ), underscores a growing recognition of the need for a realistic and comprehensive plan for post-war Gaza.

Notably, the Emiratis had already laid out their proposals for the post-war scenario in an op-ed written by ABZ's special envoy Lana Nusseibeh, a day before the Israeli delegation arrived in Abu Dhabi. The proposal put forth by the Emiratis seeks to find a solution for Gaza that does not involve Hamas, while also expressing reservations about the current leadership of the Palestinian Authority.

It is noteworthy that Netanyahu, who previously rejected a similar Gaza day-after plan presented by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, has now expressed his desire for the Emiratis to play a role in shaping the future of Gaza. This shift in stance suggests Israel's willingness to engage in discussions regarding the post-war scenario.

Meanwhile, senior national security officials from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority recently held a secret meeting in Riyadh, aiming to coordinate plans for Gaza's future in the aftermath of the conflict. The meeting, which took place ten days ago, aimed to explore ways to involve a revitalized Palestinian Authority in governance post-war.

The increased coordination between Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Authority, particularly since the start of the Gaza conflict, highlights the growing significance of regional stakeholders in shaping the outcome and dynamics of the region.

In parallel, top Israeli military officials are currently in Washington to engage with U.S. counterparts, presenting their military strategy for Gaza and outlining their plans to capture or neutralize Hamas leaders. These discussions also include negotiations over the post-war future of the Gaza Strip.

President Biden's administration has been actively pressuring Israel to develop a comprehensive plan for Gaza following the conflict. This push for a post-war plan aligns with ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.

As the conflict persists, the international community closely watches these behind-the-scenes discussions to determine the potential for a sustainable and peaceful future for Gaza. The fate of the region hinges upon the ability of these key entities to collaborate effectively and envision a future that brings stability and prosperity to Gaza's war-torn communities.