CWA # 1802
Conflict Weekly
The War in Gaza: US Post-War Plans and Global Accountability Efforts
Conflict Weekly #296&297, 4 September 2025, Vol. 6, No. 35 & 36
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IPRI Team
4 September 2025
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Photo Source: AFP
Conflict Weekly #296&297, 4 September 2025, Vol. 6, No. 35 & 36
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI
Brighty Ann Sarah and R. Preetha
The War in Gaza: US Post-War Plans and Global Accountability Efforts
Brighty Ann Sarah and R. Preetha
In the news
On 3 September, Hamas reiterated its willingness to negotiate a comprehensive deal for the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners. The statement follows President Donald Trump calling on Hamas to release all 20 hostages.
On 2 September, The Washington Post reported on the Trump administration’s plans for post-war Gaza, turning the region “into a trusteeship administered by the United States for at least 10 years while it is transformed into a gleaming tourism resort and high-tech manufacturing and technology hub.” On the same day, Israel called up 40,000 reserve soldiers to intensify its offensive on Gaza.
On 1 September, the International Association of Genocide Scholars passed a resolution declaring that Israel's actions in Gaza have “met the legal definition of genocide in Article II of the United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948).”
On 31 August, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a warning that Israel’s attempts to evacuate Gaza are unfeasible and that “Palestinians in Gaza are physically and psychologically unable to comply with these orders.”
On 30 August, the US State Department denied visas to the Palestinian delegation, led by President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials, for the UN General Assembly session in New York, where the ‘two-state solution’ was set to be discussed.
Issues at large
First, the US plan to resettle Gazans and responses from Arab states. According to The Washington Post, the Trump administration envisions a US-administered Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration, and Transformation Trust (GREAT Trust) for a period of ten years, relocating its 2.1 million residents to transform the enclave into a tourism and high-tech hub. The 38-page prospectus proposes “voluntary” relocation abroad or to secured zones within Gaza during reconstruction, projecting a USD 100 billion revenue stream. Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, rejected a similar call by Trump to “take over” Gaza in February 2025.. Palestinians and other Western countries said “it would be tantamount to ethnic cleansing and illegal under international law.” In March, a USD 53 billion reconstruction plan, as an alternative to Trump’s idea, was adopted by Arab leaders at a summit in Cairo.
Second, a background to Hamas’ willingness to accept a ceasefire. The group had earlier rejected proposals requiring complete disarmament. Instead, it demanded full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent lifting of the blockade, and an end to the war without conditions on its military capabilities. The July 2025 Doha talks subsequently collapsed when Israel insisted on Hamas’s dismantlement, while Hamas maintained it would accept only a permanent ceasefire and rejected any temporary arrangement. In August, Arab countries came out in favour of disarming Hamas, a key Israeli demand. On 18 August, Hamas accepted a 60-day truce, under which half of the remaining hostages in Gaza would be released in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. This decision comes amid increased pressure on the group from Arab governments and other Palestinian factions, in the backdrop of the planned Israeli offensive in Gaza City.
Third, international genocide warnings on Israel’s actions. The International Association of Genocide Scholars highlighted Israel’s deliberate violence against civilians, including children, starvation, deprivation of human aid, sexual and reproductive violence, and forced displacement. Israel’s campaign traces an escalating sequence: political disenfranchisement and apartheid-like restrictions in the occupied territories; dehumanising rhetoric; and blockade of food, water, electricity, and aid, enabling wide-scale military force. South Africa internationalised the allegations first by petitioning the International Court of Justice in December 2023 under the Genocide Convention. In April 2024, UN special rapporteur to Palestine Francesca Albanese submitted “Anatomy of a Genocide,” a report echoed by the November 2024 UN Special Committee report identifying use of starvation as a weapon and mass civilian casualties as “consistent with genocide.”
Fourth, the exclusion of the Palestinian delegation from the UNGA. The unilateral exclusion of the delegation contradicts the UN’s foundational principle of universality and the equal representation of all member and observer states. Palestine has been a UN observer state since 2012. The rescission also violates the 1947 Headquarters Agreement, which obliges the US, as the host country, to ensure access for all diplomatic delegations without discrimination.
In perspective
First, the day-after plans for Gaza are increasingly implying investment prospectuses. The recent reports on US trusteeship over Gaza, and its reconstruction as a “Riviera of the Middle East,” with the GREAT Trust, aim for economic incentives and position Gaza as a lucrative investment rather than a post-war developmental policy. Most plans involve the displacement of the Palestinian population rather than assistance to rebuild the community. This threatens to create a situation where humanitarian needs are consistently sidelined in the pursuit of economic gains.
Second, the absence of accountability despite repeated warnings from international bodies and experts that Israel’s actions in Gaza may amount to genocide. It has revealed structural weakness in enforcing legal frameworks designed to prevent mass atrocities. For the Palestinian population, it means that international legal safeguards offer little real protection. In general, it erodes the credibility of international frameworks and sets a precedent for impunity within the international system.
Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: Putin-Kim-Xi meeting on the sidelines of Beijing's largest military parade; "The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable," says President Xi
On 3 September, China's President Xi Jinping, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, and North Korea's President Kim Jong Un met together for the first time, presiding over the 'Victory parade' from atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace. US President Trump wrote on his social media: “May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.” On the sidelines of the parade, Putin invited Kim to Russia and thanked Pyongyang for the assistance in fighting against Ukraine during their two-and-a-half-hour-long bilateral talks. Xi said: "Chinese-style modernisation is modernisation along the path of peaceful development. China will always be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world," and "We sincerely hope that all countries will draw lessons from history, value peace and work together to... create a brighter future for humanity." China's largest military parade took place as part of 'Victory Day' celebrations, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of the country's victory against Japan in World War II.
Taiwan: KMT former chairperson and politicians attend China’s military parade despite warnings
On 3 September, SCMP reported that a Taiwanese delegation, comprising politicians, business leaders, and KMT former chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu, attended China’s military parade. Huang announced on social media: “Today, we can attend together and take part in commemorating this victorious moment in a national catastrophe. This is a response to history,” and that “The war of resistance against Japan was a battle for the survival of the Chinese nation that is our common history, regardless of province of origin or political party.” Taiwan’s ruling party, the DPP, opposed their attendance at the parade, and Taiwan’s Deputy Minister Shen Yu-cheng called for them to boycott the parade. Shen said: “The September 3 parade does nothing to promote cross-strait peace. It threatens Taiwan, perhaps aiming to pressure us into accepting their political arrangements through the display of new weaponry. If any citizens insist on going, the [council] will handle penalties on a case-by-case basis.”
China: First joint submarine patrol in the Pacific with Russia
On 27 August, the Global Times reported that China and Russia conducted their first-ever joint submarine patrol in the Pacific region. The official report was published by Russia’s Pacific Fleet, which noted that the diesel-electric submarines of the Chinese and Russian navies have completed the patrol. The joint endeavour first began in August, following the conclusion of the China-Russia Joint Sea 2025 exercise, as noted by the Russian media agency TASS. The patrol was wrapped up on 20 August in the Western Pacific region. China’s military expert, Zhang Jushe, said: “Submarines are stealthy and offer a high degree of deterrence, as the joint patrol showed the two navies’ underwater interoperability. Through the joint drills and patrols, the Chinese and Russian navies are steadily boosting their capabilities in jointly safeguarding maritime security and stability.”
The Philippines: Manila to strengthen defence ties with Australia amid rising South China Sea tensions
On 22 August, the Philippines and Australia announced plans to sign a new defence agreement in 2026 to strengthen military cooperation amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the pact will enable more frequent joint drills to enhance operational capability and bolster deterrence. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, visiting Manila for ministerial talks, added that the agreement would also support defence infrastructure projects at five locations in the Philippines. Both countries are deepening ties in response to China’s increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea. Marles’ visit coincided with heightened Chinese vessel activity near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal and the ongoing “Alon” exercise, a 15-day drill launched on 15 Aug with the Philippines, Australia, and Canada. The exercise included a joint naval sail in the South China Sea, shortly after a collision involving two Chinese ships.
Japan: Tokyo to deepen security ties with the UK amid historic Royal Navy carrier visit
On 28 August, Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani stated that Japan and the UK have elevated their security cooperation to an “unprecedented” level, coinciding with the arrival of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier in Tokyo for a goodwill visit. Nakatani emphasised that both countries are strengthening ties as each other’s closest security partners in Asia and Europe. Tokyo aims to diversify security partnerships beyond the US to counter China’s growing influence, while London seeks a larger role in the Indo-Pacific amid the region’s economic rise. The UK’s Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the interconnectedness of Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security. The Prince of Wales aircraft carrier is visiting Japan as part of a 12-country strike group comprising 4,000 personnel on an eight-month mission, marking the first port call to Tokyo by a foreign carrier. Central to the Tokyo-London partnership is the Global Combat Air Programme, launched in 2022 with Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet, with the first international contract expected by the end of 2025.
Indonesia: Protestors set fire to regional parliament buildings
On 30 August, Indonesian protesters set ablaze regional parliament buildings in three provinces during demonstrations across the country. It is reported that parliamentary buildings in West Nusa Tenggara, Pekalongan city in Central Java, and Cirebon city in West Java were burnt in arson attacks by protesters. Further, three people died and five were injured after protestors set fire to a parliament building in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. Additionally, several transportation facilities were damaged in Jakarta on 29 August. These protests are a part of continued demonstrations which began in Jakarta this week over parliamentarians’ salaries. Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, said that the president has ordered authorities to take strong action against protesters who have violated laws.
Myanmar: UN sounds alarm on worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar
On 2 September, the UN warned that the humanitarian situation in Myanmar is worsening, with scenes in Rakhine State echoing the 2017 atrocities against the Rohingya minority. Myanmar’s military has imposed a blockade on Rakhine State while fighting ethnic armed groups. UN rights chief Volker Turk said both the military and the Arakan Army have acted with “near-total impunity,” creating an “endless cycle of violations” and widespread civilian harm. Videos and images show death, destruction, and desperation similar to the 2017 crackdown, prompting calls for the UN Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court. Between April 2024 and May 2025, hostilities displaced hundreds of thousands, with 150,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh since November 2023. Civilians have faced aerial attacks, forced displacement, recruitment, arrests, arson, and denial of aid. Turk further stated that while violence against the Rohingya has decreased since early 2025, the ongoing military blockade is worsening a severe hunger crisis.
South Asia
Nepal: Rejects China-India resuming border trade from Lipu Lekh pass
On 30 August, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli objected to India and China restarting their trade through the Lipu Lekh pass, noting that they view the region as part of Nepal. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement: “Referring to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through Lipu Lekh Pass, the Rt. Hon. The Prime Minister stated that the territory belongs to Nepal and the Government of Nepal has registered a strong objection to the same.” It also noted: “According to the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, the entire area to the east of the Mahakali river is part of the sovereign territory of Nepal.”
Afghanistan: Eastern region hit by devastating earthquake; death toll tops 1400
On 2 September, the death toll in Afghanistan rose sharply following the devastating earthquake that struck on 1 September. A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, killing at least 1,411 people and injuring over 3,100, according to Taliban authorities and the Afghan Red Crescent Society. More than 5,400 homes were destroyed, and over 12,000 people were affected. The shallow quake hit near midnight, catching many residents off guard in their sleep. Rescue operations are underway, but mountainous terrain, blocked roads, and unfavourable weather have severely hampered access to isolated villages. Helicopters and commandos have been deployed, while humanitarian agencies including UNICEF deliver shelter, medical supplies, and hygiene kits. International actors, including the UK, India, China, the EU, and the UAE, have pledged aid. Many deliveries remain pending amid concerns over funding shortfalls and the Taliban government’s isolation.
The Middle East and Africa
Sudan: UN Human Rights Council-mandated mission says the RSF committed crimes against humanity in the al-Fashir Siege
On 5 September, the UN-mandated mission stated multiple crimes were committed against humanity during the siege of al-Fashir by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the North Darfur region amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war. These crimes include large-scale killings, sexual and gender-based violence, the destruction of livelihoods, and starvation as a warfare tactic, depriving civilians of essentials like food and medicine. The 18-page UN report is based on more than 200 interviews with survivors of violence, and video material and submissions from civil organisations. Neither side responded to the allegations, having previously dismissed similar accusations.
DR Congo: UN Human Rights Office report states war crimes and human rights violations by the M23 rebel group, the Congolese armed forces and other affiliated armed groups
On 5 September, the UN Human Rights office stated that the M23 rebel group and Congolese armed forces committed grave violations of human rights in eastern DRC that may count as war crimes. This is the first UN report to scrutinise whether the abuses may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. The report by the UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Mission probed the gross violations of international humanitarian law due to fighting in North and South Kivu that resulted in the killing of thousands and the displacement of hundreds of thousands this year. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, commented: "The atrocities described in this report are horrific." The report exemplified systematic sexual violence against women with instances of gang rape that "degrade, punish, and break the dignity of victims." The M23 has previously denied such allegations. The report stated that DRC armed forces and affiliated armed groups, such as Wazalendo, which is known as a pro-government militia, have committed similar abuses.
Burkina Faso: Criminalises LGBTQ+ expressions; introduces fines, prison sentences, and sanctions
On 2 September, Burkina Faso’s parliament passed a new law banning activities associated with LGBTQ+. The Justice Minister stated that they are introducing fines, prison sentences, and sanctions for persons convicted. The legislation, part of the updated Persons and Family Code, imposes prison terms of two to five years and fines for those found guilty. It also allows for the deportation of non-citizens who repeatedly violate the law. Additionally, the law revises regulations concerning nationality and statelessness. The legislation was approved unanimously by the 71-member unelected parliament and is awaiting the signature of military junta leader Ibrahim Traore. The government presents the law as a modernisation of family and nationality laws, but it has raised concerns among rights advocates for curbing freedoms. This move follows a trend in conservative African countries, while others, such as South Africa, have adopted more inclusive policies.
West Bank: Israeli Army raids several cities
On 31 August, Al Jazeera reported that several cities in the West Bank were raided by Israeli soldiers, leading to arrests and injuries. These include cities of Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah. The Wafa news agency also reported several attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. On 26 August, “prolonged” raids had been carried out in Ramallah and el-Bireh in which 58 people were injured. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at least 671 Palestinians, including 129 children, have been killed in attacks by the Israeli Army and Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Yemen: Houthis target Israeli-owned tanker in the Red Sea
On 1 September, Al Jazeera reported that the Yemen-based Houthis have confirmed responsibility for missile attacks on a tanker in the Red Sea. The vehicle attacked was a Liberian-flagged Scarlet Ray and is Israeli-owned. The attack was in retaliation for the earlier killing of the Houthi government’s Prime Minister, Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and other officials in an Israeli attack. Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, Leader of the Houthis, had condemned the assassination and had termed Israel as “a criminal foe that demonstrates its savagery, criminality and aggression through practices that know no rules, no commitments, no charters and no considerations.” This attack on the tanker is the latest in a series of attacks launched by the Houthis since the start of Israel’s offensive in Gaza in October 2023.
Europe and the Americas
The War in Ukraine: Russia launches over 500 drones and missiles across Ukraine; Zelenskyy heads for a summit with Nordic and Baltic states ahead of the 'coalition of the willing' meeting
On 3 September, Reuters reported that Russia launched more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles overnight, striking infrastructure at 14 sites across Ukraine and injuring four railway workers, according to Ukrainian regional and military officials. Zelenskyy stated that he would attend a summit with Nordic and Baltic states on 3 September before travelling to France to meet EU and US allies to discuss next steps in "the coalition of the willing" grouping of countries that have pledged to support Ukraine. "We will be discussing the need for strong pressure measures with our partners in the coming days,” stated Zelenskyy.
Haitie: UN deliberates a resolution on establishing a new ‘Gang Suppression Force’
On 30 August, Reuters reported that the UN Security Council began talks on drafting a resolution to expand the international forces fighting the armed groups in Haiti. The resolution was prompted by the US and Panama, and aims to transition the current Multinational Security Support mission into a new force called the Gang Suppression Force. The current mission is led by the Kenyan police and suffers from underfunding and is understaffed. The new mission would be led by a Standing Group of representatives from countries that contributed personnel to the previous mission, in addition to the US and Canada. The mission will be funded through voluntary international contributions and supported by a new UN field office to be set up in Port-au-Prince. Jack Ombaka, spokesman for the Multinational Security Support mission, stated that the mission was still assessing the planned new model, reports Reuters.
The US: Secretary of State to visit Mexico and Ecuador amidst the crackdown on illegal migrants and cartels
On 3 September, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, visited Mexico and Ecuador for the first time since taking office. The visit comes in the midst of the US crackdown on illegal immigration and drug cartels. The Trump administration had recently deployed several warships in the southern Caribbean to crack down on drug cartels. The US Department of State highlighted that the visit aims to advance key US interests in the region, including “swift and decisive action to dismantle cartels, halt fentanyl trafficking, end illegal immigration, reduce the trade deficit, and promote economic prosperity and counter malign extra continental actors.” Several Latin American leaders, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, had condemned recent immigration raids in the US.
About the authors
Rohini Reenum is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph and Femy Francis are Project Associates at NIAS. Abhiruchi Chowdhury is a Research Assistant at NIAS. Kasvi Batra is a Research Intern at NIAS. Brighty Ann Sarah and R Preetha are postgraduate students at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. Lekshmi MK is a postgraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. Rizwana Banu, Santhiya M and Aparna A Nair are undergraduate students at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. M Kejia is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry. Swati Sood is an undergraduate student at Vivekananda College, University of Delhi. Vaihali Chittrothu is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, St Ann's College for Women, Hyderabad.
