UN Resolution on International Stabilization Force for Gaza Could Be Ready Within Two Weeks, But Disputes Remain Over Mandate
A UN Security Council resolution mandating an international stabilization force in Gaza could be finalized within two weeks, but its passage will depend on resolving contentious issues over the force's mandate. The main points of contention include US military leadership, the relationship with the Palestinian civil police force, and a timetable for Israeli military withdrawal.
At a meeting of Muslim countries in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed concerns that if the mission conflicts with the principles and policies of the sending countries, it will be difficult for them to participate. He emphasized that Turkey is willing to provide troops, but only if they can ensure that their contribution aligns with the country's interests.
Other Muslim countries present at the meeting, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, also expressed their willingness to participate in the stabilization force. However, Egypt's absence raised questions about its potential role as a leader of the force.
Jordan has announced that it will not provide troops but is prepared to train a vetted Palestinian police force to maintain law and order in Gaza. The interaction between this force and the international stabilization force remains unclear, with questions over their respective responsibilities.
The ongoing violence in Gaza has raised concerns about the fragile truce, with 115 people killed and 352 injured on Tuesday, making it the deadliest day since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the need to speed up the process, warning that time is running out.
The international community is growing increasingly concerned about a security vacuum in Gaza, with Arab states urging for progress. The Jordanian foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, stressed the importance of establishing a timeline for Israeli withdrawal and setting up a deconfliction mechanism to avoid police-style operations by the international force.
While some Western diplomats acknowledge that resistance to US leadership is not widespread, they also express skepticism about the chances of success for the peace agreement. They emphasize that Gazans want an international element supporting a Palestinian government in Gaza rather than external forces taking control.
Ultimately, the success of the international stabilization force will depend on its ability to address these contentious issues and create a viable solution for Gaza's security and governance.
A UN Security Council resolution mandating an international stabilization force in Gaza could be finalized within two weeks, but its passage will depend on resolving contentious issues over the force's mandate. The main points of contention include US military leadership, the relationship with the Palestinian civil police force, and a timetable for Israeli military withdrawal.
At a meeting of Muslim countries in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed concerns that if the mission conflicts with the principles and policies of the sending countries, it will be difficult for them to participate. He emphasized that Turkey is willing to provide troops, but only if they can ensure that their contribution aligns with the country's interests.
Other Muslim countries present at the meeting, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, also expressed their willingness to participate in the stabilization force. However, Egypt's absence raised questions about its potential role as a leader of the force.
Jordan has announced that it will not provide troops but is prepared to train a vetted Palestinian police force to maintain law and order in Gaza. The interaction between this force and the international stabilization force remains unclear, with questions over their respective responsibilities.
The ongoing violence in Gaza has raised concerns about the fragile truce, with 115 people killed and 352 injured on Tuesday, making it the deadliest day since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the need to speed up the process, warning that time is running out.
The international community is growing increasingly concerned about a security vacuum in Gaza, with Arab states urging for progress. The Jordanian foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, stressed the importance of establishing a timeline for Israeli withdrawal and setting up a deconfliction mechanism to avoid police-style operations by the international force.
While some Western diplomats acknowledge that resistance to US leadership is not widespread, they also express skepticism about the chances of success for the peace agreement. They emphasize that Gazans want an international element supporting a Palestinian government in Gaza rather than external forces taking control.
Ultimately, the success of the international stabilization force will depend on its ability to address these contentious issues and create a viable solution for Gaza's security and governance.