An Israeli official confirmed on Sunday that the country will permit a multinational security force to enter Gaza, as outlined in former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ceasefire plan for the territory. This decision comes just one day ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's departure for Washington, where he is expected to meet with Trump on Tuesday. Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved the legal framework necessary for the force’s entry into Gaza during a meeting on Sunday. The mission, referred to as the International Stabilisation Force, is intended to consist of 200 personnel from “friendly countries such as Uganda and Morocco.” These individuals will be deployed in regions not under Israeli jurisdiction. Each group must receive separate approval from Israel prior to entering Gaza. However, there is currently no indication of when these forces will begin their operations. Gaza continues to face severe challenges following two years of conflict initiated by Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023. Much of the territory remains in disarray, with extensive damage inflicted by Israeli military actions. A ceasefire agreement reached in October led to the proposal of Trump’s peace plan, which includes increased humanitarian assistance, civilian governance by Palestinian technocrats, the disarmament of Hamas, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Despite these proposals, progress has been limited, and the Palestinian civilian administration body, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, has yet to establish itself within the territory. Israel maintains control over approximately 64 percent of Gaza, while the majority of its two million inhabitants reside on a narrow coastal strip under Hamas control. Conditions in this area remain dire, with many residents living in temporary shelters or damaged structures. Hamas has not yet agreed to disarm, and Israel has expressed intentions to increase its territorial influence in Gaza to around 70 percent. Military operations continue, resulting in frequent strikes against targets believed to be associated with Hamas. Trump’s peace initiative also envisioned a “Board of Peace,” an international entity tasked with overseeing the execution of the broader peace framework. This board is currently working on establishing a pilot humanitarian zone aimed at revitalizing the stalled plan. Nickolay Mladenov, the board’s envoy for Gaza, praised the Israeli decision, emphasizing its importance in achieving stability, promoting demilitarization, and facilitating the transition to effective Palestinian governance. Meanwhile, recent violence has underscored the ongoing tensions. On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed three individuals, including two children, in the Gaza Strip. Health officials noted casualties in Khan Younis and the Bureij refugee camp, with the Israeli military attributing the attacks to targeting Hamas operatives. The death toll of civilians killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire began exceeds 1,200. Hamas, however, has not released information regarding its losses. Although the truce has ceased large-scale combat, sporadic Israeli strikes persist, with four Israeli soldiers killed by militants in Gaza over the same period. In Cairo, Hamas representatives engaged in discussions with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators concerning the implementation of the second phase of Trump’s Gaza plan. The plan outlines a range of measures, including enhanced humanitarian support, civilian governance, Hamas disarmament, and the deployment of an international security force. While Hamas officials indicated a “positive and good” response, they did not confirm full agreement on key elements, particularly the disarmament of Hamas. The group has expressed a willingness to “confine and store” heavier weaponry under Palestinian oversight rather than transferring it to Israeli authorities. The acceptance of this approach by Israel and the Board of Peace remains uncertain. The situation in Gaza continues to evolve, with both sides navigating complex political and logistical challenges. As the international community watches, the outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the future of the region.
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