International Security Force in Gaza Faces Hurdles in Establishing a Lasting Peace

The creation of a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza, envisioned by President Trump's 20-point plan, is crucial to achieving a lasting peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. The force's mission has become the most significant obstacle in the discussions among countries that might send troops to the region. Diplomats and officials from several countries, including Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, are cautious about committing soldiers to a potentially dangerous and unclear mission, where they could be expected to fight Hamas militants on Israel's behalf.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump peace plan calls for an international security force in Gaza, but countries that might send troops are wary of the danger, unclear mission, and being seen as occupiers.
• The fragile cease-fire in Gaza rests on key assumptions that Hamas militants give up their weapons and an international troop presence keeps the peace as Israel withdraws its military from the enclave.
• Diplomats and officials from several countries have expressed concerns about committing troops to a mission that could put them in direct conflict with Hamas, citing confusion over the force's mission and the lack of a clear plan for Hamas disarmament.
• Some countries have indicated that they do not want to send troops to the centers of Gaza's cities due to the danger posed by Hamas and its tunnel networks.
• The Biden administration had made preliminary efforts to form a force including personnel from Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Italy, but recent discussions have included Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
• The establishment of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza has been under discussion since the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, with various proposals suggesting that such a force would be needed quickly after the fighting ended.
• The Palestinian Authority, which runs a large police force in the West Bank, would be a natural candidate for a separate Palestinian police force but has been opposed by Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejecting its involvement in Gaza.

Statistics:

• 45 Palestinians were killed in a punishing bombardment of Hamas installations by Israel in response to a Palestinian militant attack on Sunday.
• 2 Israeli soldiers were killed in the attack on Israeli-held territory.
• 20,000 or more troops could be deployed by Indonesia to "help secure peace in Gaza" and other war zones, according to President Prabowo Subianto.
• The Trump 20-point plan envisioned the immediate deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza.
• Two years have passed since Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel began its military response.

Sources:

• Byline: Adam Rasgon, Michael D. Shear, David M. Halbfinger, Aaron Boxerman and Natan Odenheimer
• The New York Times article, no date mentioned.