Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will unilaterally determine which countries are permitted to participate in a planned international security force for Gaza. He stated, "We are in control of our security, and we have also made it clear regarding international forces that Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us" . This assertion of veto power comes as part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and peace plan, with Netanyahu claiming the United States accepts this position .
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to Israel, confirmed that the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) would have to be composed of countries that "Israel's comfortable with" . This has raised concerns about the force's perceived neutrality, particularly after Netanyahu hinted he would oppose any role for Turkish forces, a nation whose leader has been highly critical of Israel's military campaign .
The proposed international force is a key component of President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan, which aims to secure a "deradicalised terror-free zone" in Gaza and oversee its redevelopment . The plan outlines a comprehensive vision involving a temporary technocratic administration for Gaza, a massive reconstruction effort, and the disarmament of Hamas .
A major obstacle is the plan's requirement for Hamas to completely disarm, a condition the group has not accepted . Secretary Rubio has insisted that "Hamas cannot govern and cannot be involved in governing the future of Gaza," and that if it refuses to demilitarize, it would be a violation of the agreement that "will have to be enforced" . This creates a fundamental deadlock, as the deployment of an international force is seen as risky without an understanding with Hamas, the dominant power in the enclave .
The discussions on Gaza's future occur in the shadow of a devastating two-year war, which a UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry has determined constitutes a genocide committed by Israel . The Commission found that Israeli authorities committed genocidal acts, including killing, causing serious bodily and mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza .
The war, which followed the October 7, 2023, attacks, caused massive civilian casualties, with over 68,280 Palestinians killed according to Gaza's health ministry, and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure . The UN has stated that Israel's substantial restriction of aid for significant periods had "catastrophic consequences" for the population . Against this backdrop, Israel's continued control over all access to Gaza and its attempt to dictate the terms of international involvement are viewed by Palestinians and their supporters as an extension of the occupation and a denial of Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination.
The ceasefire remains fragile, with both sides accusing the other of violations . The United States is deeply invested in making the peace plan succeed and has expressed frustration with actions by Netanyahu's government, such as a recent vote on West Bank annexation, that risk collapsing the truce .
While Secretary Rubio stated that "a lot of countries" have offered to join the force, its exact mandate, legal basis, and rules of engagement are still being negotiated . Countries like Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Qatar are among those the U.S. has spoken to about contributing . The ultimate success of the plan hinges on navigating these complex security arrangements while addressing the profound humanitarian needs and legitimate political aspirations of the Palestinian people, who have endured unimaginable suffering .