Israel proposes local group to replace Hamas

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking after a visit to the U.S. Department of Defense, suggested establishing a local alternative to govern the Gaza Strip if Hamas is defeated. Details about the alternative were not specified by Gallant. After an attack by Hamas on October 7, which Israel claims resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, subsequent Israeli counterattacks have, according to Gaza health authorities, led to over 32,000 fatalities. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has expressed concern about the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza and the inadequate amount of humanitarian aid reaching the area, stating that Gaza is suffering from a humanitarian disaster that is only worsening. Current U.S.-Israel relations are strained after the U.S. abstained from vetoing a UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, leading to the Israeli government canceling a planned delegation, although Gallant had already arrived.