The United States has put forward a bold proposal to the United Nations: a stabilization force in Gaza that would remain in place until 2027. But here's where it gets controversial—this plan, part of Donald Trump's initiative to end the Israel-Hamas conflict, has already sparked debates about its feasibility and potential impact. If approved, this international force would operate under a UN resolution, marking a significant step toward peace—or so it’s hoped.
According to a draft text shared by the U.S. and confirmed by two anonymous officials, this proposal is just the beginning of what could be lengthy negotiations among the 15-member UN Security Council and other global partners. And this is the part most people miss: Arab and other nations interested in contributing troops are hesitant without explicit UN backing, highlighting the delicate balance of international diplomacy.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized in Doha that any entity established in Gaza must have the legitimacy of a Security Council mandate. The draft, circulated on Tuesday, aims to build consensus for an international mandate that would authorize the stabilization force and its participating countries. However, here’s where opinions start to clash: China and Russia, both permanent council members, are likely to pose significant opposition, potentially vetoing the resolution.
The draft outlines a broad mission for the force, including demilitarizing Gaza, decommissioning weapons from non-state armed groups, and providing security until 2027. It also calls for collaboration with a yet-to-be-formed 'Board of Peace' to temporarily govern the territory. Notably, the force would work closely with Egypt and Israel, secure border areas alongside a vetted Palestinian police force, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
But here’s the catch: One of the biggest challenges in Trump’s 20-step plan is disarming Hamas, a step the group has not fully accepted. This raises questions about the force’s ability to achieve its goals without full cooperation from all parties.
Meanwhile, progress on the ground continues under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. On Tuesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the return of the remains of another hostage held in Gaza, adding to the 20 already returned by Hamas. The remains were identified as those of IDF soldier Itay Chen, a somber reminder of the human cost of this conflict.
The ceasefire aims to de-escalate the deadliest war between Israel and Hamas, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has resulted in over 68,800 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, though Israel disputes these figures without providing alternative data.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can an international stabilization force truly bring lasting peace to Gaza, or will it face insurmountable challenges in disarming Hamas and securing cooperation from all sides? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
