Israel and US Negotiate Uganda's Role in International Force for Gaza Stabilization

Israel and the United States are advancing plans for a post-conflict international stabilization force in Gaza, with Uganda currently in talks to join the deployment. This development comes amid stalled negotiations with Hamas over disarmament. Alongside Uganda, discussions are ongoing with Vietnam and Georgia, while Morocco, Indonesia, Kosovo, Albania, and Kazakhstan have already committed to sending troops. The international stabilization force (ISF), established under former President Trump's 21-point plan, is intended to operate under a peace council and will initially deploy 5,000 troops in southern Gaza, expanding to 20,000 across the territory once Hamas agrees to disarm.

The ISF will be the sole armed force in Gaza, replacing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which are expected to withdraw. However, Hamas's reluctance to fully disarm, insisting on retaining some weapons, has delayed the ISF's deployment and the broader reconstruction efforts. Negotiations continue between Hamas and the peace council representatives, with Israel demanding complete disarmament and the handing over of tunnel routes used for terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Coordination and Liaison Headquarters in Kiryat Gat is actively planning Gaza's reconstruction in close cooperation with the US. This center, involving 31 countries and 40 international organizations, focuses on infrastructure rebuilding and debris removal, with initial efforts concentrated in southern Gaza. The United Arab Emirates has agreed to finance a new neighborhood in the Tel al-Sultan area, with planning already completed. Officials acknowledge that Gaza's reconstruction will take many years due to the massive scale of destruction.

In parallel, Israel is preparing for the possibility of renewed intense military operations in Gaza. Recent internal assessments describe the situation as "on the brink of boiling over," with military leaders viewing a return to large-scale fighting as a matter of "when," not "if." The IDF continues targeted strikes in Hamas-controlled areas and pursues militants involved in the October 7 attacks. Any major ground offensive would require explicit approval and support from the White House.

Overall, the international stabilization force's deployment and Gaza's reconstruction remain contingent on Hamas's cooperation, while Israel braces for potential escalation amid ongoing diplomatic and military preparations.