US cautions Israel against reestablishing control over Gaza post-war

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has cautioned Israel against reoccupying Gaza following the war with Hamas. He emphasized that Hamas should not continue to rule in Gaza, as it risked further attacks. Blinken also stated that there should be no forced displacement, blockade, or reduction of territory, and that the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority should govern. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel would have "overall security responsibility" for Gaza indefinitely, but he did not provide details on what that would entail. The United States, along with other Western powers, consider Hamas a terrorist organization and support Israel in its objective of destroying the group. The war began after a cross-border assault on southern Israel by Hamas, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. The US outlined its position on a post-conflict Gaza at a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo, stressing the need for no displacement of Palestinians, no use of Gaza for terrorism, no reoccupation, and no reduction in territory. Blinken also emphasized the importance of Palestinian-led governance, unity between Gaza and the West Bank, and a mechanism for reconstruction. Despite Netanyahu's remarks, Blinken stated that he did not believe Israel intended to reoccupy Gaza. Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza in the 1967 Middle East war, and although it withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it still retains control over certain aspects. Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer clarified that "security responsibility" referred to ensuring that Gaza does not become a terrorist threat. Doubts were raised about the Palestinian Authority's ability to govern Gaza effectively and fight terrorism. Mustafa Barghouti, head of the Palestinian National Initiative, expressed skepticism about Netanyahu's statements, suggesting that it indicated Israel's intention to annex Gaza. Barghouti emphasized the need for unified leadership to prepare for democratic elections and end the occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.