🌊 1. Gaza-to-Arish Coastal Strip (25 km Inland)
✔️ Advantages
Cultural:
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Shared identity: Proximity to Gaza ensures continuity with existing Palestinian language, customs, and family ties.
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Symbolic coastline: Access to the Mediterranean aligns with historic Palestinian expectations and national aspirations.
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Urban familiarity: Easier transition for Gaza residents, including those displaced or in refugee camps.
Political:
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High international visibility: Coastal territory aligns with pre-existing discussions on Gaza expansion.
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Trade & port development: Sea access offers economic independence, reducing dependency on Israeli crossings.
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Potential buy-in from Palestinian factions: Proximity to Gaza could promote political unity and governance continuity.
❌ Disadvantages
Cultural:
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Limited expansion room: Still relatively narrow and may remain overcrowded despite new space.
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Land ownership disputes: Possible local Egyptian resistance to resettlement.
Political:
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Egyptian sovereignty: Reluctance to cede territory, even if not including Arish itself, due to nationalist and security concerns.
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Security implications for Israel: Concerns about militarization or smuggling routes resurfacing along new borders.
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Hamas control: Continuity with Gaza might entrench current leadership, complicating diplomatic legitimacy.
🏜 2. Southern Tip Zone (Paran to Gulf of Aqaba)
✔️ Advantages
Cultural:
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Clean slate: Opportunity to build a modern, unified Palestinian identity from the ground up, without factional baggage.
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Low local resistance: Sparse population reduces conflict over resettlement or heritage sites.
Political:
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No host country complication: The territory is wholly within Israeli borders; sovereignty transfer is straightforward if agreed upon.
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Buffer zone potential: Distance from major urban centers allows for demilitarization and international peacekeeping options.
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Access to Gulf of Aqaba: Strategic economic access for shipping, tourism, and trade via the Red Sea.
❌ Disadvantages
Cultural:
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No historic connection: Remote desert region lacks emotional or symbolic ties to Palestinian identity or heritage.
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Extreme environment: Harsh climate makes resettlement and agriculture difficult without massive infrastructure.
Political:
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Disconnection from population centers: Isolated, making political and social cohesion harder.
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Perception of displacement: Might be seen as exile or land-for-peace concession without justice.
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Requires large-scale investment: Infrastructure for water, housing, transportation, and energy would be cost-prohibitive initially.
🧭 Summary Table
| Category | Gaza-to-Arish Strip | Paran-to-Aqaba Tip |
|---|---|---|
Cultural Fit | Strong | Weak |
Political Viability | Moderate (with Egypt’s buy-in) | High (within Israel’s control) |
Economic Potential | High (trade, ports) | Moderate (Aqaba access) |
Security Benefits | Riskier for Israel | Lower-risk, isolated zone |
| Population Integration | Seamless for Gazans | Challenging |
Policy Brief and Diplomatic White Paper
Title: Territorial Proposals for a Viable Palestinian State: Updated Strategic Options for Lasting Peace
Prepared for: International Diplomatic Working Group on Middle East Peace
Date: May 2025
Executive Summary
This policy brief presents updated territorial proposals for establishing a viable Palestinian state, revisiting two distinct geographic options. These options are analyzed for their cultural relevance, political feasibility, economic viability, and strategic risks.
The two options are:
Gaza-to-Arish Coastal Strip: A territory extending from the northwestern tip of Gaza down to the edge of Arish (excluding Arish), and 25 km inland.
Southern Tip Corridor: Located in Israel's far south, spanning from Paran to the Gulf of Aqaba.
Option 1: Gaza-to-Arish Coastal Strip (25 km Inland)
Geographic Scope
Begins at the northwestern edge of Gaza and stretches south along the Mediterranean, ending before Arish.
Extends 25 km inland.
Cultural Advantages
Shared identity and proximity: Continuity with Gaza ensures integration with existing Palestinian demographics and traditions.
Symbolic coastline: Aligns with long-standing aspirations for Mediterranean access.
Refugee relocation potential: Expands options for overcrowded Gaza residents.
Political Advantages
Gaza connection: Reinforces territorial cohesion for Palestinians.
Trade route development: Maritime access enhances economic autonomy.
Popular legitimacy: More acceptable to Palestinian factions and international stakeholders.
Cultural Disadvantages
Overcrowding risk remains: The narrow strip might be insufficient for large-scale expansion.
Local tensions: Egyptian citizens may resist any perceived land transfer.
Political Disadvantages
Egyptian sovereignty concerns: Egypt would be unlikely to accept even partial cession without significant guarantees.
Security tension with Israel: Close proximity to Gaza could heighten border vulnerability.
Militant entrenchment: Hamas control may persist, complicating future diplomatic recognition.
Option 2: Southern Tip Corridor (Paran to Gulf of Aqaba)
Geographic Scope
Occupies land between Paran and the Gulf of Aqaba, along Israel's southern desert.
Provides direct access to the Red Sea.
Cultural Advantages
Minimal displacement: Sparse population and arid terrain reduce cultural disruption.
New identity formation: Opportunity for constructing a modern, unified Palestinian society.
Political Advantages
Fully within Israeli jurisdiction: Simplifies legal transition without third-party negotiation.
Security buffer: Isolated zone eases defense management for Israel.
International collaboration zone: Potential hub for economic and peacekeeping initiatives.
Cultural Disadvantages
No symbolic or historical ties: Desert terrain is alien to most Palestinians.
Difficult living conditions: Harsh climate deters voluntary resettlement.
Political Disadvantages
Disconnected from core population centers: Risks fragmenting Palestinian identity.
Perception of forced exile: May be viewed as political displacement without redress.
High infrastructure cost: Development would require major foreign investment.
Comparative Analysis
| Category | Gaza-to-Arish Strip | Paran-to-Aqaba Corridor |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Fit | Strong | Weak |
| Political Viability | Moderate (Egypt cooperation needed) | High (within Israel's control) |
| Economic Opportunity | High (trade, ports) | Moderate (Red Sea access) |
| Security for Israel | Riskier due to Gaza link | Lower risk, more isolated |
| Population Integration | Seamless for Gazans | Logistically challenging |
Recommendation
The optimal solution may involve a tiered territorial model:
Primary Palestinian settlement zone on the Mediterranean Strip.
Secondary economic and logistical enclave at the southern tip for Red Sea trade, resettlement, and special development.
Include international guarantees, demilitarization, and multilateral investment frameworks.
Diplomatic Implementation Strategy
Feasibility Studies: Commissioned by UN and Arab League with regional partners.
Territorial Framework Negotiations: With Israel and Egypt under international auspices.
Palestinian Referendum: To validate proposed territorial plans.
Global Development Plan: Economic and infrastructure aid coordinated by World Bank, EU, and Gulf states.
Conclusion
These updated territorial models provide an opportunity to creatively address both humanitarian needs and geopolitical realities. They invite all stakeholders—Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian, and international—to reconsider pragmatic options for a durable two-state resolution.
Prepared by: International Conflict Mediation Team
For inquiries, contact: diplomacy@peaceinitiative.org
