The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution largely written by the US. This resolution demands the establishment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza to help rebuild an area that lay in ruins due to war. Gaza would quickly be returned to the jurisdiction of a Palestinian technocratic authority. They are doing their best to build the future even while rockets still fly overhead.
So it’s refreshing to see that former President Donald Trump has recently put forward a plan to demilitarize Gaza. Moreover, he correctly notes that disarming Hamas is the centerpiece of this effort. The ISF is supposed to stabilize liberated areas, protect civilians and ISF members, and help facilitate humanitarian assistance. Further, the task force would help train and deploy a reconstituted Palestinian police force.
The ISF has been created to manage the permanent destruction of weapons. Its emphasis is on the hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. After the ISF achieves security and operational control, Israeli forces will be completely redeployed from the area. Such a step would be hugely important and provide a clear, visible sign of a new era of security.
A central component of this effort is the establishment of a “Board of Peace.” This board will be the transitional governing body for Gaza, with Donald Trump as its chair. The Board will only have a two year mandate. Through this period, it will directly oversee security operations, humanitarian assistance and reopening and reconstruction efforts.
The Gaza Strip has been ravaged by three wars in the past eight years, and rebuilding it is critical. By unanimously approving the resolution, the UN Security Council reaffirmed the collective right of all the Palestinian people to self-determination and future statehood. It frames responsible governance alongside important milestones aimed at rebuilding Gaza.
Foreign forces are expected to initially deploy with Israeli soldiers in eastern Gaza as part of this initiative. The current Israeli-controlled “yellow line” is a heavily militarized dividing line within the region that exacerbates their plight and undermines prospects for peace and stability.
The proposal has met resistance. A spokesperson for Hamas stated that the group would oppose any foreign administration of the Gaza Strip. This response raises concerns about the feasibility of implementing such a plan without the cooperation of all stakeholders involved.
“Any refusal to back this resolution is a vote either for the continued reign of Hamas terrorists or for the return to war with Israel, condemning the region and its people to perpetual conflict.” – Mike Waltz
The words of Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Schumer, and Minority Leader McCarthy show the need for urgency that underpins this new effort. Mike Waltz urged members to support the resolution and stressed that it is necessary for regional stability as well as humanitarian improvement.
Urba Coningham, an expert on Middle Eastern geopolitics, identified a very important matter. He emphasized Arab rulers’ hesitance to support the ISF or reconstruction efforts without a political horizon. This further highlights the geopolitical maze that faces any international engagement in the province.
“This gives the ISF legal precedent as well as a sense of security for countries that contribute to the ISF and to humanitarian assistance.” – Urba Coningham
Moreover, Coningham said without the ISF, it would be difficult to provide that aid and start reconstruction work. Without the creation of a predictable climate, there can be no meaningful advancement on both fronts.
Supporters of the proposal say it provides an essential blueprint. Doing so meaningfully tackles both our security worries and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
“I ask everyone today: are you more righteous in this cause than those who must live with it, and who ultimately will benefit from this plan for peace.” – Mike Waltz
The international community’s response remains mixed. And in an ever-ongoing land dispute, Israeli officials—including the prime minister—have raised alarms about the bilateral potential of creating a Palestinian state within Israel’s borders. In recent statements, Israeli opposition leader Gideon Saar has made it abundantly clear that Israel is not going to accept anything like this.
“Israel will not agree to the establishment of a Palestinian terror state in the heart of the Land of Israel.” – Gideon Saar
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been similarly skeptical of international goodwill. He noted that there isn’t a country lining up to participate in the multinational force in Gaza at this moment. This reluctance presents further obstacles for rolling out the proposed ISF to be successful.