The United States has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council proposing the establishment of an international force to govern and secure the Gaza Strip for the next two years. This plan, which was presented to Security Council members on October 16, 2023, aims to replace the current governance of Hamas and provide security through the end of 2027. According to a report by Axios, the resolution would grant extensive powers to the US and its allies to oversee Gaza during this period.
A key component of the proposed arrangement is the creation of an International Security Force (ISF), which was central to former President Donald Trump‘s cease-fire agreement aimed at maintaining peace between Israel and Gaza. The Security Council is anticipated to vote on this resolution in the coming weeks, with the first troops potentially deployed by January 2024, according to a US official.
International Governance Plans
The US-led resolution also introduces the concept of a “Board of Peace,” which would consist of international leaders, with Trump indicating that he will chair this body. While the specific members of the Board remain to be determined, Trump has previously indicated that he would like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to serve alongside him. This Board will be responsible for guiding the ISF in securing Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt and ensuring the protection of humanitarian corridors.
Additionally, the ISF is tasked with the training of a new Palestinian police force that would take over once the international board withdraws. Currently, Hamas operates as the de facto police authority in Gaza, a position it has held since the group took control of the territory nearly 20 years ago. Although anti-Hamas militias have expressed readiness to lead a new Palestinian security force, Hamas has made clear its intention to retain power until Palestinian statehood is achieved.
The situation may become increasingly complex as the ISF is also responsible for overseeing the demilitarization of Gaza. If Hamas does not voluntarily disarm, this could lead to renewed conflict in the region.
International Contributions and Future Governance
Trump has asserted that no US troops will be deployed directly to Gaza, inviting countries such as Indonesia to contribute personnel for this peacekeeping mission. Once Gaza is secured, the Board of Peace plans to support a “Palestinian technocratic, apolitical committee” to govern the territory, as outlined in the US resolution.
Following the completion of reforms, interim leaders are expected to transfer authority to the Palestinian Authority, which would oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, a region devastated by conflict. However, Israel has previously indicated its opposition to allowing the Palestinian Authority, which governs the occupied West Bank, to assume leadership in Gaza.
The unfolding developments suggest a significant shift in governance for Gaza, with international oversight potentially altering the dynamics of power in the region. As the UN Security Council prepares to deliberate on the proposal, the implications for both local and regional stability remain to be seen.
