As the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s proposed plan moves forward, discussions are intensifying over the possible deployment of an international security force in Gaza, intended to take over from Hamas.
The initiative’s first step involves disarming the Islamist movement, a highly sensitive task amid a fragile ceasefire and mutual distrust between Israel and Hamas. Neither side appears willing to commit to a lasting halt in hostilities.
Hamas has already rejected any call to surrender its weapons, while Israel insists on maintaining a wide buffer zone along Gaza’s borders to prevent future attacks. These positions complicate efforts to rebuild the enclave and establish a new governing authority.
Despite these challenges, Washington continues to pressure both parties, pushing for the creation of a UN-mandated international force. The proposed force, modeled after the international mission in Haiti, would not serve as a conventional peacekeeping operation but rather focus on stabilizing Gaza after the conflict.
Still, one key question remains unresolved: Which countries would take part?
The United States has ruled out sending troops, and direct European involvement also appears unlikely. According to The Guardian, Egypt has expressed interest in leading the force, while Indonesia and Azerbaijan have offered to contribute troops.
The potential participation of Turkey has sparked debate. US Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that while Washington would not impose foreign troops on Israel, “there is a constructive role the Turks can play.” Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara would be ready to act as a “de facto guarantor” of Palestinian protection if a two-state solution were to take shape.
Defense Minister Yasar Güler added that the Turkish army stood ready to join “any mission” linked to the ceasefire mechanism.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad and JD Vance that Turkish troops would not be allowed to enter Gaza, according to The Jerusalem Post.
With the composition of the proposed international force still uncertain, the plan remains at a tentative stage. Whether it will ever materialize is far from clear.
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