UN May Deploy Int’l Force in Gaza Early Next Month
Did Press: Two US officials have told international media that an international stabilization force authorized by the UN could be deployed in the Gaza Strip as early as next month, although key questions—particularly regarding the disarmament of Hamas—remain unresolved.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials said the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) will not be tasked with direct combat against Hamas. Several countries have expressed willingness to contribute troops, while U.S. officials are still assessing the force’s size, composition, deployment locations, training requirements, and rules of engagement. A U.S. two-star general may command the force, though no final decision has been made.
The deployment is considered a central element of Phase Two of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Phase One began with a fragile ceasefire on October 10 in the two-year conflict, during which Hamas released some captives and Israel freed a number of detained Palestinians. The truce, however, has been repeatedly violated by Israel.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that “extensive and confidential planning is underway for the second phase of the peace agreement,” adding that Washington’s goal is to secure a “lasting and sustainable peace.”
Under a UN Security Council mandate, the ISF would operate alongside newly trained and vetted Palestinian police forces to stabilize security. Its mission reportedly includes overseeing Gaza’s demilitarization, dismantling and preventing the reconstruction of militant infrastructure, and ensuring the permanent disarmament of non-state armed groups—though operational details remain unclear.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said on Thursday that the Security Council has authorized the ISF to pursue Gaza’s demilitarization “by all necessary means,” including the use of force. He told Israel’s Channel 12 that discussions with contributing countries on rules of engagement are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of eight Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement on Friday expressing support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The statement followed a Reuters report that the Trump administration is reviewing the possible designation of UNRWA as a terrorist organization.