INTERNACIONAL
Could private security contractors be the ‘day after’ solution in Gaza?
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The question of a «day after» plan in the Gaza Strip has plagued negotiations between Israel, the U.S., Arab nations and Hamas for months and has ultimately led to the terrorist network’s refusal to release the 55 hostages still held there.
However, foreign policy leaders and security experts based in Washington may have the key that could provide a solution to help rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip where others cannot: private security contractors (PSC).
PSCs, which have heavy experience in the Middle East and decades of lessons learned to draw from, could be used as non-state actors to provide stability and a path forward for the Palestinians, but they would have to start with humanitarian aid, John Hannah, former national security advisor to Dick Cheney and current Randi & Charles Wax senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), told Fox News Digital.
Palestinians continue their daily lives under harsh conditions amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza following the enforcement of a ceasefire agreement on Feb. 10, 2025. (Mahmoud ssa/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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In a plan hatched out following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip, a group of eight members with JINSA and the Vandenberg Coalition comprised a report that detailed how the handling of humanitarian aid could completely change security in the region.
The plan, in part, initially looked similar to the mechanism known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the U.S. and Israel, and which launched last month to distribute aid to Palestinians.
However, the plan comprised by Hannah and the team took it a step further and argued that these aid actors should also be involved in rebuilding Gaza.
«We thought humanitarian issues was the best way [forward],» Hannah said. «It was the common denominator that would allow all of the major stakeholders that want to get to a better ‘day after’ – Israel, the United States, the key pragmatic Arab states – they all could agree that we can’t agree on a political vision for Palestine 10 years from now, and the issue of a Palestinian state, but we can all agree on this apple pie and motherhood issue that we don’t want to see starving, suffering Palestinians.»
Hamas terrorists emerge in a show of strength, escorting Red Cross vehicles carrying three Israeli hostages to be released as part of the ceasefire deal. (TPS-IL)
The Israel Defense Forces had already detailed the need to eliminate Hamas following the deadliest-ever attack on Israel, but the group of eight experts also identified that aid, long used by Hamas to maintain power by using it to incentivize support and recruitment, and to punish opposition, needed to be the key to cementing actual change.
«We needed a solution on humanitarian aid,» Hannah said. «And when we looked around the world, who could do this, take over the humanitarian aid? We were left with one option.»
Displaced Palestinians line up pans to collect hot food from a charity food distribution center in Gaza City, northern Gaza, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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«We didn’t think it should be the Israel Defense Forces. Israel lacks legitimacy with the Palestinian population, and frankly, it had its hands full doing the military job of defeating Hamas,» he added. «American forces weren’t going to do it. We didn’t think Arab forces would step up and do this. And the U.N. system as it existed under UNRWA was illegitimate in the eyes of Israel.»
The group not only briefed the Biden and Netanyahu administrations on the proposal, but held numerous discussions with Israeli officials in 2024 on how such a plan could work.
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero – who served as deputy chief of staff, Strategic Operations for Multinational Forces-Iraq for 2007-2008 and who was tasked by Gen. David Petraeus to create a system of accountability over PSCs in Iraq following the Blackwater incident in September 2007 known as the Nisour Square massacre – also briefed Israeli officials on how a PSC mechanism could work in the Gaza Strip.
Progress on the proposal appeared to stall by summer last year as then-President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were at increasing loggerheads over humanitarian concerns and mounting civilian Palestinian death tolls.
However, Hannah questioned whether the seed had been planted with Israel by the time the Trump administration re-entered office, enabling the GHF to come in and start distributing aid.
The GHF, though it has distributed over 16 million meals since it began operations in late May, saw a chaotic start with starving Palestinians rushing certain sites and reports of violence unfolding.
A truck loaded with humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip makes its way to the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
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Though the reports of the level of chaos have reportedly been exaggerated by Hamas – which ultimately would benefit from the GHF’s failure as experts have explained – the group initially drew some criticism over transparency concerns, though the group has been looking to remedy this with regal updates.
The group, which saw its third leadership in as many weeks earlier this month, told Fox News Digital that despite some frustration among world leaders and aid groups, its goal is to work with major organizations like the United Nations and others to better distribute aid across Gaza where those programs are still flagging.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed last month that the GHF’s distribution centers would be protected by private security contractors.
Palestinians in Gaza get aid from the U.S. and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation)
Though while Washington backs the effort, State Department spokeperson Tammy Bruce has repeatedly made clear that the GHF is «an independent organization» that «does not receive U.S. government funding.»
However, she has also refused to confirm whether any U.S. officials are working for the program.
PSCs have a storied history in the Middle East, and not only the U.S. war on terror. They have been used by nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which could lend them a level of acceptance that would not be attainable by another force.
The proposal issued by Hannah and his colleagues took the use of PSCs one step beyond humanitarian aid and argued they could make a positive impact in the actual reconstruction of the Gaza Strip – an idea that was also presented to the Trump administration this year.
Displaced Palestinians wait to receive a free meal from a charity food distribution center in Gaza City, northern Gaza, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
«It’s not at all foreign to these Arab parties that you might employ PSCs for certain critical missions,» Hannah said. «Our idea was, let’s scale it up. Let’s unify the effort. Let’s have America and the Arabs lead it.
«The Arabs would put in most of the humanitarian aid workers, a lot of the financing, and then they would hire some of these international PSCs with a lot of experience to come in and protect those operations,» he explained. «You’d have the Arabs engaged, which we thought was absolutely critical.»
The plan also included bringing in other international aid organizations that would work with these PSCs to expand developments like housing projects, community development and infrastructure repair to restore electricity and water.
«And eventually, hopefully, begin to identify new leadership, local leadership in Gaza, who would be prepared to cooperate with the operations of this nonprofit entity,» Hannah said. «Local Gazans of goodwill, who wanted to be rid of Hamas, who this entity could provide some support to, some protection to so they can, could begin rebuilding Gaza civil administration.»
Destroyed buildings are pictured in the west of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on Feb. 11, 2025 amid the current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images)
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The plan also addressed the perpetual question of how to deter the next generation of Hamas terrroirsts, particularly amid Israeli military operations.
Hannah argued this issue could be addressed by simultaneously training a «non-Hamas new Palestinian, local Palestinian security force» that would not only have the trust of the local population but could also gain the trust of Israel.
Hannah said he still believes this plan could be a tenable next step to securing the Gaza Strip but urged the Trump administration to take a more direct diplomatic role by leaning on Arab, European and Israeli partners to make it happen.
The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s questions about this reporting.
INTERNACIONAL
Francia cierra los stands de Israel en una gran feria internacional de aeronáutica y armamento en rechazo a la guerra en Gaza
Decisión del gobierno de Francia
Uno de los stands de Israel, tapado con un panel negro, en la feria de aeronáutica y armas en Le Bourget, Francia. Foto: AP Protesta contra la presencia israelí en la feria
Denuncias de Amnistía Internacional
Protestas contra la muestra de armamento y aviación de Le Bourget, Francia, este lunes. Foto: AP No podían exponer armas usadas en Gaza
Crisis diplomática
Más ventas para Airbus
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Two top union leaders have departed the Democratic National Committee (DNC), escalating an internal conflict about the future of the party that was stirred up by former vice chair David Hogg.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, and Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, declined offers to stay on as at-large members of the DNC, as first reported by The New York Times.
«I appear to be out of step with the leadership you are forging, and I do not want to be the one who keeps questioning why we are not enlarging our tent and actively trying to engage more and more of our communities,» Weingarten, the education leader and longtime voice in Democratic politics, said in a letter to Chair Ken Martin which is now circulating on social media.
The union labor leaders’ departure is the latest blow to Martin, who just last week put his Hogg problem behind him.
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Randi Weingarten is departing the DNC, telling Chair Ken Martin she is «out of step with the leadership.» (AP/Reuters)
Hogg, the 25-year-old progressive firebrand, announced last week he would not seek re-election for vice chair after sparking internal rifts with his $20 million plan to primary challenge older incumbent Democrats he said are «asleep at the wheel» through his outside political action group, Leaders We Deserve.
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«There is a huge vacuum of leadership in the Democratic Party and Ken is proving to be a weak, ineffective leader who isn’t ready for any of this,» a former DNC official, who asked for anonymity to speak more freely, told Fox News Digital.
A DNC committee member, who was also granted anonymity, told Fox News Digital it was «not surprising» the union leaders decided to step down from the DNC, «given they both supported another candidate.»
Both Weingarten and Saunders supported Martin’s competitor in the race for DNC chair, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler. As chair, Martin later removed Weingarten from the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, which is the group responsible for drafting the Democratic Party’s presidential nominating calendar and election process.
The committee member said Weingarten and Saunders «are both incredible leaders» with the country’s best interests in mind, and they are «confident we will all come together and focus and continue beating Republicans.»
David Hogg speaks at the March for our Lives rally against gun violence at the National Mall in Washington on June 11, 2022. (Getty)
«I have no doubt both of them, and the labor unions, will move forward and work together with the Chairman, and every other Democrat who is, first and foremost, focused on beating Donald Trump and the existential threat that he and Republicans pose to Americans’ lives and livelihoods and our democracy,» they added.
Another source close to the DNC also pointed to Weingarten’s support for Wikler in a statement to Fox News Digital: «Ever since the horse she bet on in the Chairs race lost, she has always been on the other side of the fence as Ken — this is no surprise.»
Weingarten was also among those in the party who supported Hogg’s controversial plan to primary incumbent older Democrats in safe blue districts.
Hogg’s decision to leave the DNC followed a damning Politico report, which included leaked audio from a Zoom meeting of Martin lamenting over Hogg’s fallout at the DNC, claiming it had made it harder for Democrats to do their jobs and for Martin to demonstrate his ability to lead.
Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin speaks with Fox News on Dec. 12, 2024 in Washington D.C. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)
«I don’t think you intended this, but you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to. So, it’s really frustrating,» Martin said.
Martin affirmed the DNC would stay neutral in Democratic primaries after Hogg’s $20 million primary pledge. The DNC chair gave Hogg the ultimatum to either rescind his vice chair position or forego his political influence through his PAC.
However, that did not stop Hogg from defying advice and wading into additional Democratic primaries by endorsing Virginia state Del. Irene Shin in the special election to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va.
Members voted Wednesday to uphold the Credentials Committee’s resolution proposed by longtime Democratic Party activist, Kalyn Free, to host a re-election for two vice chair positions, which were held by Hogg and DNC Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta.
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Martin commended Hogg’s decision Wednesday, thanking him for «his years of activism, organizing, and fighting for his generation,» as the Democratic Party seemed prepared to leave their Hogg drama in the dust.
The union leaders’ departure is the latest public infighting to plague the Democratic Party in the aftermath of losing the White House and Congress in 2024.
Weingarten and Saunders did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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As the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, many say that the airstrikes present a potential opportunity for significant political transformation.
Iranian Americans and Israeli government officials have been increasingly vocal in their calls for regime change, advocating for a shift toward a more democratic and transparent governance structure.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince HRH Reza Pahlavi told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo that it is only a «matter of time» before the Iranian regime is toppled and Iranians «have a tremendous opportunity.»
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«To rise and get rid of this regime, because we always believe that the ultimate solution to the problem is for this regime to no longer be there,» Pahlavi said speaking on «Sunday Morning Futures.»
Smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Friday, June 13, 2025. Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran. (Getty)
Beverly Hill, California, plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian left Iran when she was 6 years old along with her family.
The decision to leave Iran was driven by the oppressive changes following the Iranian Revolution in 1979 concerning the treatment of women.
Nazarian told Fox News Digital her parents did not want her and her sister to grow up in such a restrictive society and believes all Iranians «want the fall of this regime.»
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«Everyone is thankful to Israel for taking out these brutal Islamist theocrats who have been implicit in raping, torturing, jailing, murdering, and exiling Iranians for 45 years, so I think we’re all on the same page that this regime needs to go,» said Nazarian.
Protesters chant slogans during a protest over the death of a woman who was detained by the morality police, in downtown Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday an Iranian regime change «could certainly be the result» of the escalating conflict, calling on citizens to seize «opportunity.»
«80% of the people will throw these theological thugs out. I mean, they murder them. They oppress them for 46 years. They yearn for freedom… they shoot women because their hair is uncovered, they shoot students,» said Netanyahu.
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Dr. Sheila Nazarian and her family. (Dr. Sheila Nazarian)
Israel has marked significant blows to Tehran’s military leadership, eliminating a slew of key military figures and scientists while attacking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
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Nazarian and Pahlavi have both stated that the regime is at its most vulnerable point, urging the Iranian military to take advantage of the situation.
Iranian police arrive to disperse a protest to mark 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose tragedy sparked Iran’s biggest anti-government movement in over a decade, in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (AP)
«I do think that it’s going to take some sort of force of power, whether it’s the military. Presenting a coup or others in the region that are armed. For example, the Kurds in the mountainside, helping the populace overthrow this paper tiger regime,» said Nazarian.
She shared that Americans need to understand the regime does not have the same values as the U.S.
«They value martyrdom and death. If that isn’t a 180 difference in core value, I don’t know what is. They don’t want to be American. They chant death to America. Americans think it is the right way and the right path and so humane, they view it as actually stupidity,» said Nazarian.
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Former Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback said America must support regime change in Iran.
Iran rejected ceasefire negotiations, telling Qatari and Omani mediators that they will only pursue negotiations after they complete their response. (AP Photo/Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader)
«Our government should provide maximum support—diplomatic, economic, and technological—to help Iranians overthrow their oppressors and establish a government that respects human rights and religious liberty,» said Brownback.
Nazarian expressed her gratitude to President Donald Trump’s recognition of the necessity for Israel to maintain a firm stance against the Iranian regime.
Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi on stage at the 2025 Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. (UN Watch)
«We appreciate that President Trump understands, unlike his predecessors, there is no negotiating with the Iranian regime,» said Nazarian.
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She added, «The only language this regime understands is force and power. They see negotiations and diplomacy as weakness and a delay tactic to be able to do whatever it is they want to do, enrich their uranium, become a nuclear power.»
Dr. Sheila Nazarian expressed her gratitude to President Donald Trump’s recognition of the necessity for Israel to maintain a firm stance against the Iranian regime. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Nazarian says taking a diplomatic route «just delays tactics with this regime and every Iranian in the diaspora understands this.»
Early Monday morning local time, Iran rejected ceasefire negotiations, an official told Reuters.
The Iranians told Qatari and Omani mediators that Iran would only go to the negotiating table after they completed their response to the Israeli pre-emptive strikes.
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Nazarian says she spoke with President Trump during a rally in Philadelphia on the campaign trail advocating for Persian Jewish Americans.
«I told him the Persian Jews of Los Angeles love you, and they thank you. He looked me straight in the eye, and he said, ‘I’m going to be the best president the Jews have ever known,’» said Nazarian.
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Nazarian said while growing up in Iran, despite her Jewish faith, her family never mentioned their Jewish identity due to the lack of freedom of religious expression and the fear of severe repercussions.
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