Efforts to Establish International Force in Gaza Accelerate, First Contingents Expected Next Month

Just hours after the UN Security Council approved the US draft resolution on Gaza and the establishment of an international force, the United States launched accelerated efforts to form this new multinational force. A senior US official revealed that the first contingents of this force are expected to arrive in the Gaza Strip in early 2026, according to Israeli media reports.

Candidate Nations and Mission Details

• Initial Interest: The official confirmed that five countries have already expressed preliminary interest in contributing to the international stabilization force.

• Frontrunners: Another US official involved in the discussions noted that Azerbaijan and Indonesia are currently the "frontrunners" for participation.

• Force Composition: The force is expected to include a mix of Infantry, Engineering, Intelligence, and Police units, specially tailored to meet Gaza's needs, as reported by Israel's i24NEWS.

• Logistical and Financial Support: Washington has contacted several Arab and European nations for financial and logistical support, emphasizing that broad participation is necessary to ensure the force's legitimacy and long-term stability on the ground.

Operational Challenges and Hamas's Stance

Despite the rapid political momentum, operational preparations are still in their initial stages:

• Obstacles: Training programs for the troops have not yet begun, and significant effort is required to secure adequate funding and organize the massive logistical infrastructure, headquarters, and coordination with international relief agencies working on reconstruction.

• Hamas Rejection: Hamas criticized the US draft resolution, stating it "does not rise to the level of the demands and rights of the Palestinians," stressing that it imposes an "international guardianship mechanism" on the Strip.

• Disarmament Warning: Hamas also warned that tasking the international force with the mission of disarmament inside Gaza "strips it of its neutrality and transforms it into a party to the conflict in favor of Israel."