Despite the ceasefire of October 10,2025 , the future governance of the security sector in Gaza and the West Bank remains uncertain. The occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) continues to experience a deep crisis in security, political, economic, and social conditions. The devastating effects of the war, combined with the increasing risk of a security vacuum in Gaza, underscore the urgent need to establish governance structures capable of ensuring minimum levels of safety for all within the oPt.

In response to these challenges, DCAF, with the support of Norway, has developed Interim Security Governance Mechanisms — temporary, context-sensitive arrangements designed to promote minimum levels of safety, enhance human security, and support responsible and accountable security provision before and after a ceasefire. These arrangements are presented in detail in this working paper, which is based on extensive consultations with national, regional, and international partners.

The paper offers a technical proposal to inform the thinking on pathways to strengthen good security governance across the oPt, with a particular focus on Gaza. It aims to complement and contextualise existing post-war plans for Gaza by proposing a practical, people-centred approach to security that reflects realities on the ground and contributes to broader stability throughout the oPt.

Rather than imposing a top-down model, the proposal emphasises pragmatic, inclusive approaches that centre Palestinian agency, ownership, and participation at every stage.