Imagine the UN’s own peacekeeping “Avengers” assembling in Gaza as early as January! Two anonymous U.S. officials told Reuters that an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) could roll into the Gaza Strip next month to help cement the fragile ceasefire.
Despite what the name might suggest, the ISF won’t be taking on Hamas in combat. Instead, Washington says it’s ironing out the force’s size, country contributions, housing, training, and rules of engagement — basically, all the logistics needed to keep things smooth. 👷✈️
An American two-star general is in the mix to lead the mission, though no final decision has been made. This move is part of the next phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Under phase one, which kicked off with a ceasefire on October 10, Hamas released hostages and Israel freed detained Palestinians.
The United States Central Command will host a big planning conference in Doha on December 16, gathering reps from over 25 countries and regions. Sessions will cover command structures and other mission details. “There is a lot of quiet planning behind the scenes right now for phase two of the peace deal,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said. “We want to ensure an enduring and lasting peace.” 🤝
Indonesia has already stepped up, offering to send up to 20,000 troops for health and construction tasks in Gaza — a massive boost for hospitals and rebuilding shelters.
On the Palestinian side, Husam Badran of Hamas’ political bureau told Xinhua that Gaza factions tentatively approved the international force, as long as its mandate stays limited to “monitoring the ceasefire and maintaining a presence along the borders to separate the two sides.” He made it clear, though, that “any talk about disarming the resistance is rejected.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, says phase two should push toward demilitarisation and disarmament.
Meanwhile, winter storms are adding urgency. The UN’s International Organization for Migration warns that heavy rains on Thursday flooded IDP camps, collapsing buildings and killing at least 14 Palestinians, including a baby girl who died of exposure. Nearly 795,000 displaced Gazans live in low-lying, rubble-filled shelters without proper drainage — a recipe for disease and disaster if sandbags and materials don’t get in. 🌧️🏘️
With a major conference just days away and freezing rain testing fragile tents, Gaza stands at a crossroads. Can international peacekeepers bring stability and hope to a region long battered by war and the elements? The world will soon find out.
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U.S. officials say international troops could soon be deployed in Gaza
cgtn.com
