Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is expected to take a leading role in commanding a proposed international stabilization force that would assume control of the Gaza Strip following the current ceasefire, according to a report by Israeli channel i24NEWS, citing sources from The Guardian.
This move is part of the second phase of a 20-point plan initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and currently being coordinated by an American-led task cell operating inside Israel. The plan, still under international negotiation, aims to establish a transitional security framework for Gaza that would diminish Hamas’s influence and prepare the ground for eventual Palestinian statehood.
A Shift Toward International Oversight
The proposed force is not expected to resemble traditional U.N. peacekeeping missions. Instead, the United States is reportedly lobbying the U.N. Security Council for a unique mandate one that grants operational security authority without the bureaucratic constraints typically associated with peacekeeping deployments.
According to the report, Egypt is being positioned as the leading actor, given its geographic proximity, political influence over Gaza factions, and longstanding role as a mediator between Israel and Palestinian groups. However, Egyptian officials remain cautious, particularly about whether such a mission should be explicitly mandated and led by the United Nations.
While no European military contributions are currently expected, the United Kingdom has sent advisers to the U.S.-run operations cell in Israel, and has expressed full political support for the broader framework of the initiative. Britain has also confirmed that its long-term goal remains the establishment of a viable Palestinian state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Who Might Contribute Forces?
In addition to Egypt, other potential contributors to the proposed security mission include Turkey, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan. These countries have been floated as possible troop providers due to their regional ties and diplomatic engagement in Palestinian affairs. No commitments have been formalized, and talks remain ongoing.
One of the most contentious aspects of the plan remains the disarmament of Hamas, a goal that Western diplomats acknowledge will be extraordinarily difficult. British officials have drawn comparisons with the Northern Ireland peace process, suggesting that demobilization and reintegration could follow a phased, incentive-based model rather than immediate military disarmament.
Gaza’s Future Under the Plan
Under the Trump administration’s framework, a body called the “Peace Council” would be created, chaired by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The council would oversee a Palestinian technocratic committee of 15 members, tasked with managing Gaza’s civil institutions during the transition period.
Security, however, would remain under the control of the international force at least temporarily. The U.S. and its allies envision this body acting as a buffer to prevent a resurgence of Hamas or other militant groups, with responsibilities including border security, weapons monitoring, and coordination with Israeli defense forces.
Britain has reportedly already trained a contingent of Palestinian police officers who could be integrated into future law enforcement efforts. However, the international force would hold primary responsibility for security and stability in the immediate post-conflict phase.
Israeli Conditions and Concerns
Israel has signaled tentative support for a phased withdrawal from Gaza, contingent on the success of the international mission. Nonetheless, Israeli officials have insisted on maintaining a wide buffer zone within Gaza under their direct control, citing security concerns and the risk of renewed rocket fire from the Strip.
The creation of such a force and its deployment would represent a major shift in the governance of Gaza, potentially ending Hamas’s control after nearly two decades. Yet it raises significant logistical and political questions, including local legitimacy, the risk of escalation, and the long-term viability of international administration.
Next Steps
While still under discussion, the proposal marks the clearest outline yet of a post-war vision for Gaza that combines international oversight with a roadmap toward Palestinian self-governance. Whether Egypt ultimately agrees to lead the mission and under what conditions will be critical in determining whether the plan can gain momentum or remains another stalled effort in the long history of Middle East diplomacy.
