After the Hostages: What Comes Next for Gaza?

The return of the remains of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili from Gaza marks a significant moment in the aftermath of October 7, 2023.

For the first time in more than a decade, Israel says there are no Israeli hostages — living or deceased — being held in Gaza. While the development brings closure for families and for many in Israel, it also signals the start of a new phase focused on what comes next for the territory.

Attention is now turning to Gaza’s future, including the delivery of humanitarian aid, long-term reconstruction, governance, security arrangements, and the possible withdrawal of Israeli forces. These issues form part of a broader US-led framework that is still evolving and faces significant obstacles.

Rebuilding Gaza is expected to take years and cost tens, if not hundreds, of billions of dollars. Large parts of the territory’s infrastructure — including housing, electricity, water systems, and roads — would need to be rebuilt, while unexploded ordnance would need to be cleared.

Beyond reconstruction, major political questions remain unresolved, including who will govern Gaza, whether Hamas would be disarmed, and what role international actors might play.

While US officials have spoken of moving quickly, analysts caution that progress is likely to be slow and contested.