International Forces Eyed for Gaza Security Role Amidst Diplomatic Push
Representatives of the "World Council" (a body not further identified in the text) have accused Israel of obstructing a 20-point plan for Gaza that Israel itself previously approved. Speaking at the MEAD conference in Washington, they claimed Israel is seeking excuses to avoid progress. The Council believes significant changes in Gaza are unlikely before Israeli elections but desires to see initial signs of Hamas disarmament sooner. "If we had even two weeks of quiet, we could show the first steps toward disarmament and give people hope. But today there isn't even one quiet day. Hamas violates agreements, but Israel also violates them," stated the Council's representatives.
Concurrently, infrastructure is being developed for a second phase of the plan post-election, including expanding international stabilization forces (ISF). Under emerging agreements, Uganda could contribute 1,200 troops, Burundi and Morocco up to 500 each, Kosovo 25, and Kazakhstan and Albania an additional 150. Indonesia, which previously considered sending 8,000 troops but withdrew during a conflict with Iran, is now reconsidering. An Indonesian delegation is expected to visit a coordination hub in Kiryat Gat to assess deployment conditions. The initial phase aims for a 2,500-strong international contingent to ensure security for a Palestinian technocratic commission's entry into southern Gaza.
Meanwhile, the technocratic commission is recruiting Palestinian police, with 220,000 applications received. Israel has approved 16,000 candidates not affiliated with Hamas, aiming to form a police force of 10,000-12,000. The World Council representative also accused Israel of hindering both police training in Egypt and the deployment of international soldiers. The Palestinian technocratic commission, however, expresses optimism, noting improvements in Gaza over the past year, including reduced casualties and increased humanitarian aid. They estimate 90% of Gazans oppose Hamas, whose popularity is declining.
The commission is working to improve water supply, currently at four liters per person daily against a standard of 14, and to restore regular education for children, who have not studied consistently for three years. UNRWA remains a key entity, overseeing numerous schools and clinics, and the new commission intends to cooperate with it. Both the World Council and the commission fear Hamas may conceal weapons and propose a strict control system to prevent infiltration. Ideas for a public, documented surrender of weapons, potentially with fighters posting videos of disarmament for immunity, are also being discussed as a non-binding proposal.
Participants also criticized the international community for blaming Israel while refusing to accept students or refugees from Gaza. The World Council criticized both Israel and Hamas, stating, "Both sides are violating the agreement." The Israeli military (IDF) warns that Hamas continues to rearm and retrieve weapons from storage, though Israel believes pursuing the American plan is necessary despite low expectations for Hamas disarmament.