Israel wants open-ended control over security and civilian affairs in the Gaza Strip, according to a long-awaited post-war plan drawn up by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It was swiftly rejected by Palestinian leaders and flies in the face of Washington’s vision for the besieged enclave.

Mr Netanyahu presented the two-page document to his security cabinet late on Thursday for approval.

Divisions over Gaza’s future have led to heightened public tensions between Israel and the United States, its closest ally.

The Biden administration is seeking eventual Palestinian governance in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to statehood and a two-state solution to tensions – an outcome strongly opposed by Mr Netanyahu and his right-wing government.

Mr Netanyahu’s plan envisions hand-picked Palestinians in Gaza administering the territory.

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Meanwhile, ceasefire efforts appeared to gain traction, with mediators to present a new proposal at an expected high-level meeting this weekend in Paris.

The US, Egypt and Qatar have been struggling for weeks to strike an agreement that could halt Israel’s devastating offensive in Gaza.

The total number of Palestinian deaths has topped more than 29,500, with close to 70,000 people wounded, Gaza health officials said.

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