International Forces Proposed for Gaza Amid Governance Challenges

The United States has introduced a resolution to the United Nations Security Council, advocating for the establishment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza. This proposal signals a significant shift in international involvement in the region, aiming to restore stability and governance following ongoing conflict.

Countries including Turkey, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, and Azerbaijan have expressed their willingness to contribute troops to the ISF. However, their participation hinges on resolving critical disputes regarding the force’s mandate, particularly concerning the leadership structure, the ISF’s relationship with the Palestinian civil police, and the timeline for an Israeli military withdrawal.

Understanding the Mandate and Duration of the ISF

The proposed ISF will take on comprehensive responsibilities, including security management, governance assistance, and fulfilling “additional tasks as may be necessary in support of the Gaza agreement.” The initial mandate is set for two years, with the possibility of extension depending on the situation’s evolution.

Central to this effort is the Gaza agreement, a 20-point proposal put forward by former President Donald Trump. This plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, demilitarisation, and the establishment of transitional governance led by Palestinian technocrats. The reconstruction of Gaza is also a pivotal aspect of this agreement.

The list of potential Palestinian technocrats includes Amjad Shawwa, the deputy commissioner of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Gaza. Shawwa, who comes from a prominent family and is seen as a non-Hamas candidate, has garnered some support from Hamas, indicating a complex political landscape.

International Governance and the Role of Hamas

The governance structure proposed under the 20-point plan envisions significant international involvement. A “board of peace,” chaired by Trump and featuring notable figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, will be responsible for creating the framework for the reconstruction efforts and securing funding.

Hamas’s stance on governance and disarmament adds another layer of complexity. While the group has indicated an intention to maintain security control in Gaza during a transitional period, some officials express reluctance to commit to disarmament. This hesitancy illustrates the challenges that the U.S. faces in implementing its plans for lasting peace.

The Palestinian Authority (PA), which operates primarily from the West Bank, may play a role in governance, but significant reforms will be necessary before it can engage effectively in Gaza. Achieving a unified Palestinian administration hinges on these reforms.

Elections for Palestinian leaders are expected to occur within a year as part of the plan. Gulf states have indicated a willingness to provide financial support, contingent on a commitment to cease hostilities in Gaza. Historically, these nations have supplied funds following major military operations, as evidenced by the recent Israeli offensive that resulted in over 67,000 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage in Gaza, according to estimates by the United Nations.

The introduction of an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza marks a potentially transformative moment in the region’s governance and security landscape. The success of this initiative will depend on the cooperation of various stakeholders and the resolution of longstanding disputes.