International Forces to Deploy in Gaza Amid Hamas Leadership Vote and Medical Crisis

Gaza is set for a new phase of post-war administration as Hamas reasserts control, despite heavy losses fighting Israel, and international forces prepare for deployment. The situation is further complicated by an ongoing medical crisis and the election of a new interim leader for Hamas.

Background and Context

Hamas is extending its control over security, tax revenue, and government services in Gaza, despite losing top leaders in conflicts with Israel¹. The armed group is currently holding elections for a new interim leader², a move seen as crucial to the future of the group and the potential for peace in Gaza³.

In response to the volatile situation, an international stabilization force, including troops from Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Morocco, is preparing for deployment in Gaza⁴⁵. Egypt and Jordan have committed to training police⁴⁵, while at least 5,000 police will provide security in Gaza⁶.

Key Developments

The deployment comes as part of a peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace⁷. This initiative has rallied thousands of troops and member states have pledged $5 billion towards Gaza's humanitarian and reconstruction efforts⁷.

However, Hamas has expressed conditional acceptance of the peacekeeping force, rejecting foreign involvement in internal affairs but willing to accept ceasefire monitors⁸. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has asserted that Israeli military will remain in Gaza indefinitely to avoid future threats⁹.

Medical Crisis and Alleged Human Rights Violations

Complicating matters is a deteriorating medical situation. Médecins Sans Frontières, commonly known as Doctors Without Borders, has suspended non-critical operations at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital due to security concerns¹⁰¹¹. Staff reported seeing armed gunmen in the hospital courtyard¹⁰.

In addition, a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists alleges that almost 60 Palestinian journalists detained in Israeli prisons have been subjected to serious abuses, including being beaten, starved, and sexually violated¹².

Implications and Reactions

The unfolding situation has led to a variety of reactions. Hamas insists that the path for Gaza must begin with an end to Israeli aggression¹³¹⁴. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands that Hamas disarm before any reconstruction can start¹⁴. A top Netanyahu aide has given Hamas 60 days to disarm¹⁵.

On the other hand, anti-Hamas militia are claiming to dismantle Hamas tunnels, with increasing Israeli support¹⁶. Meanwhile, the Palestinian organization believes that the future of Gaza should start with the end of Israeli aggression¹⁷.

Current Status

The current scenario remains volatile, failing to meet the hopes of Gaza's residents or the strategic objectives of the occupying Israeli regime¹⁰. As the international forces prepare to deploy, the world watches to see how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on peace and stability in the region.