Leaked U.S. Plan Would Split Gaza Into ‘Green’ Rebuild Zone and Ruined ‘Red’ Zone

Overview

• The Guardian reports CENTCOM drafts that would divide Gaza by creating an eastern “green zone” for reconstruction under Israeli and international control while leaving a separate area in ruins.
• U.S. officials are pushing for a UN Security Council resolution as early as next week to trigger formal negotiations on the force and its mandate.
• The United States does not intend to deploy its own troops, and the multinational contingent is envisioned at about 20,000 personnel with phased arrivals.
• Planning documents cite potential roles for up to roughly 1,500 British and 1,000 French troops for explosive ordnance disposal and demining, with Germany, the Netherlands and Nordic countries supporting field hospitals, logistics and intelligence.
• European leaders are hesitant after past campaigns, and Arab and Muslim governments fear domestic backlash for cooperating in the “green zone,” while a U.S. source says any movement of civilians toward that area would occur voluntarily over time.