US Seeks UN Backing for Gaza Security Force, Rubio Says
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the US may seek United Nations' (UN) support for an international stabilization force in the war-torn region of Gaza, according to the New York Times. This is seen as a potential next step towards peace in the region. The international security force would include countries that Israel is comfortable with
, Rubio added.
Background
During a visit to Israel, Rubio announced that the US State Department would increase its presence at a center set up to monitor the peace deal, the New York Times further reported. The US has appointed Steven Fagin, the current ambassador to Yemen, as the civilian lead for the new Civil-Military Coordination Centre, according to Middle East Eye. This center was opened by the US Central Command to implement the ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Key Developments
Rubio emphasized the need for the force to consist of countries that Israel feels at ease with, as reported by Al-Quds News and Al Jazeera English. He also stressed that the future governance in Gaza could not include Hamas, a point also reported by The Hindu. However, the potential role of the Palestinian Authority has not yet been decided.
Rubio's statements indicate that the US aims to create the right conditions
for the force to operate and to prevent a repeat of the October 7 resistance operation. He also mentioned that many countries have expressed interest in joining the force, a fact corroborated by BBC News.
However, the Deutsche Welle highlighted that it remains unclear how such a force could be deployed without an understanding with Hamas.
Implications and Reactions
The deployment of an International Stabilisation Force
in Gaza has raised concerns about the potential challenges faced by Arab peacekeepers. There is a question of how they would respond if they came under Israeli fire, a concern voiced by Arab diplomats and officials with experience in peacekeeping, as reported by the Middle East Eye.
Turkish leader Erdogan has urged the US and other countries to press Israel to abide by the Gaza ceasefire, as reported by The Times of Israel. The situation for Palestinian journalists remains tragic, with newsrooms in ruins and dozens of reporters displaced or detained, according to the Tehran Times.
Current Status and Next Steps
The US is currently working with several partners to shape the new mission, but the force has not been formed yet, Rubio noted. The US is considering seeking the backing of the UN for this initiative, as the future governance structure of Gaza continues to be discussed among Israel and partner nations. The role of the Palestinian Authority in this future governance structure is yet to be determined.