Israeli President Isaac Herzog articulated a vision for rebuilding the Gaza Strip that would involve a broad international coalition. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Herzog emphasized the importance of including both Western partners and regional countries in a joint effort to restore Gaza in a way that secures safety and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. He described this as a shared horizon that could lead to a different and more stable future for Gaza.
Within this framework, Herzog signaled openness to renewed dialogue between the Palestinians living in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority based in the West Bank. The goal would be to create channels of communication and engagement that support practical steps toward a sustainable peace and governance for the Palestinian territories.
During the remarks, Herzog also reflected on the challenges facing peace processes, noting a growing skepticism after witnessing neighboring states elevate or praise violence rather than endorse constructive approaches to conflict resolution. This observation underscored the perceived fragility of efforts to advance dialogue when regional actors appear to glamorize terrorism instead of promoting nonviolent outcomes.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh expressed a critical view of the prospects for peace under current leadership, arguing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach would not permit a peaceful resolution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shtayyeh’s remarks highlight the deep mistrust that persists between the two sides and the difficulty of aligning political visions with on-the-ground realities.
Earlier developments included a request from the United States for Israel to restore electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip, a move that would address urgent humanitarian needs while the broader political discussions continue. The electricity issue remains a central element in the broader humanitarian and security considerations surrounding Gaza and the region’s stability.