International Stabilization Force for Gaza Under Discussion
A number of countries have expressed interest in participating in an international stabilization force expected to operate in Gaza, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed, even as key details, including its mandate, are still being negotiated, reports BritPanorama.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel would determine which forces are deemed unacceptable. “This is, of course, acceptable to the United States as well, as its most senior representatives have expressed in recent days,” Netanyahu remarked during a session of his Cabinet.
During his visit to Israel on Friday, Rubio indicated that the force would need to consist of nations that Israel is “comfortable with.” He noted that the role of the Palestinian Authority within this context has yet to be clarified.
This dialogue occurs against the backdrop of a U.S.-backed ceasefire in Gaza, which remains in effect despite a fresh airstrike by Israel on Saturday, heightening tensions over the remains of 13 hostages still held in Gaza.
On Saturday, Israeli forces conducted a “targeted strike” in central Gaza, as stated by the Israeli military. This incident marks the latest breach since the ceasefire came into effect, with the attack reportedly aimed at “a terrorist from the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization who planned to carry out an imminent terrorist attack against IDF troops.”
Rubio reiterated that several nations have offered to assist with the demilitarization of Gaza and to monitor compliance with the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, he emphasized that governments are seeking clarity on the force’s legal framework and rules of engagement.
“I think they’d want to know what’s the mandate, what’s the mission, what are the rules of engagement, what is this force supposed to do,” Rubio stated, adding that these details are still being worked out.
He mentioned that the mission would likely fall under an “international mission” led by an agreement through the United Nations. “A lot of countries have expressed interest,” Rubio noted, though he did not disclose specifics. “I think they want to know what it is they’re signing up for, which is a very reasonable thing.”
Countries such as Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, and Azerbaijan were among those that had indicated willingness to contribute, according to two senior U.S. advisers.
Meanwhile, President Trump stated he discussed the Gaza peace deal with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during a flight on Air Force One. When asked about the timeline for deploying a stabilization force in Gaza, Trump responded, “pretty quickly,” adding, “They’re actually picking leaders right now. This is real peace.”
While a U.S.-backed ceasefire persists, accusations of violations have been mutual. According to the ceasefire agreement, Hamas has returned all living Israeli hostages, yet the remains of 13 individuals are still in Gaza. Hamas has warned that recovering the remains will take time.
In a post on Truth Social this weekend, Trump insisted that Hamas must return the bodies of deceased hostages, or “the other Countries involved in this GREAT PEACE will take action.” He further stated, “When I said, ‘Both sides would be treated fairly,’ that only applies if they comply with their obligations. Let’s see what they do over the next 48 hours.”
