International Security Force in Gaza Faces Uncertainty and Risks

Strategic Insights -

The fragile cease-fire in Gaza depends on an international troop presence to keep the peace as Israel withdraws its military from the enclave. However, countries that might contribute to the force are hesitant due to concerns about being drawn into conflict, unclear mission objectives, and the potential for being seen as occupiers. Diplomats and officials from several countries are struggling to determine the force's mission, which is the main obstacle to assembling the troops. The situation has produced contradictions, with Israel unwilling to withdraw further until an international force is ready to take its place, and Hamas resisting disarmament.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump peace plan calls for an international security force in Gaza, but countries are wary of committing troops due to the risks involved.
  • The countries that might contribute to the force, including Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, are concerned about being drawn into conflict with Hamas and being seen as occupiers.
  • The mission of the international force is unclear, with diplomats struggling to determine what the force will be expected to do once it arrives in Gaza.
  • Israel is unwilling to withdraw further from Gaza until an international force is ready to take its place.
  • Hamas is resisting disarmament, with its leaders reluctant to give up their weapons.
  • Arab states are unlikely to deploy soldiers in Gaza if they fear being drawn into clashes with armed Hamas gunmen or if their participation is not connected to a pathway to Palestinian statehood.
  • The establishment of a separate, Palestinian police force in Gaza is also being discussed, but Israel's opposition to the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza is an obstacle.

Statistics:

  • 45 Palestinians killed in Israeli military bombardment in Gaza on Sunday (according to Gaza health officials).
  • 2 Israeli soldiers killed in an attack by Palestinian militants in Israeli-held territory on Sunday (according to the Israeli military).
  • 20,000 or more troops that might be deployed to Gaza by Indonesia, according to President Prabowo Subianto.
  • 1 year since the start of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2023 (according to the article).

Sources:

  • The New York Times (article referenced as being on page A9).
  • Jamie Rubin (former adviser to Antony J. Blinken, secretary of state).
  • Jared Kushner (Mr. Trump's son-in-law and one of the architects of the cease-fire).
  • Ghaith al-Omari (expert on Palestinian affairs and senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy).
  • President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkey).
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel).
  • Mohammad Mustafa (Palestinian Authority's prime minister).
  • Saher Alghorra (photographer for The New York Times).