Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The United States is spearheading a multinational peacekeeping initiative in Gaza, with participation from more than 24 countries, including several Islamic states that have committed to preventing Hamas from regaining control, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a press briefing at the U.S.-Israeli Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel.
The coordination center currently hosts around 200 U.S. personnel working alongside the Israeli military and delegations from participating nations, planning for stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Observers at the site noted the presence of flags from Cyprus, Greece, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada, signaling the broad international involvement in the mission.
Rubio described the first 12 days of implementing the ceasefire agreement as challenging but encouraging, noting progress in establishing security and preparing for the deployment of the multinational stabilization force. The civilian component of the operation is being led by U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Stephen Fagan, while the military side is under Admiral Brad Cooper of the U.S. Central Command.
According to Rubio, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) will not have a direct role in Gaza under the current arrangement. The peacekeeping force will include eight to ten groups from participating countries, excluding UNRWA, and will work to enforce the disarmament of Hamas. Failure by the group to comply will trigger measures to ensure adherence to the agreement.
Rubio emphasized that Israel is fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire, and the aim is to create conditions that prevent Hamas from reasserting control. While immediate results are not expected, the effort is designed to provide civilians with a sense of safety and stability.
The Secretary of State further underscored the need to eliminate threats from rockets and tunnels targeting Israel and warned that any annexation of the West Bank could jeopardize the entire peace process. He also highlighted the broader objective of stabilizing Gaza while addressing long-standing governance and security challenges within the Palestinian Authority.
Rubio called the coordination and implementation of the ceasefire a historic task, expressing cautious optimism about the progress made so far and the potential for continued international cooperation to secure lasting peace in the region.
