International Force for Gaza Stabilization Advances with New Countries in Talks

Efforts to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza are progressing as part of the post-war reconstruction plan. Countries already committed to joining the ISF include Morocco, Indonesia, Kosovo, Albania, and Kazakhstan, while ongoing negotiations are underway with Uganda, Vietnam, and Georgia. Discussions with Uganda are influenced by public support for Israel expressed by Uganda's military chief, Mohuzi Kainerugaba, who is also the president's son. However, talks with Indonesia have recently stalled due to regional developments, despite Indonesia's earlier willingness to contribute troops despite lacking formal diplomatic ties with Israel.

The ISF was created under former U.S. President Donald Trump's 21-point plan to end hostilities in Gaza. It will operate under a "Peace Council" and be coordinated through the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, involving Israel and the United States. Initially, the force will deploy approximately 5,000 soldiers in southern Gaza, with plans to expand to around 20,000 troops from various countries. The ISF is intended to operate after Hamas disarms and the Israel Defense Forces withdraw.

A major obstacle remains Hamas's refusal to disarm, with Hamas setting conditions in negotiations while Israel demands full disarmament and handover of military infrastructure and tunnels. Meanwhile, reconstruction planning continues at the coordination center in Kiryat Gat, involving representatives from 31 countries and about 40 international organizations. Workgroups focus on infrastructure, logistics, and debris removal.

Reconstruction will begin in southern Gaza, in areas under Israeli control where debris clearance is already underway. Plans include building new neighborhoods, such as a project in the Tal al-Sultan area. Experts involved in planning estimate the rebuilding process will take years due to the extensive destruction, with an estimated 80 million tons of rubble in Gaza.