US proposes UN resolution for international security force in Gaza

The United States has distributed a draft resolution to UN Security Council members proposing the creation of an international security force for Gaza with an initial mandate lasting at least two years. According to reports from Axios news site, the "sensitive but unclassified" document would grant participating nations broad authority to govern Gaza and aims to deploy initial forces by January following Security Council approval.

Proposed Force Mandate and Structure

The International Security Force (ISF) would function as an "enforcement force rather than a peacekeeping force," comprising troops from multiple nations and operating in consultation with a Gaza "Board of Peace." According to the draft resolution, this governing body would remain operational through at least the end of 2027, providing ongoing oversight and coordination for the security mission.

Operational Responsibilities

The proposed force would be tasked with securing Gaza's borders with both Israel and Egypt, protecting civilian populations and humanitarian corridors, and training a new Palestinian police force. Additionally, the ISF would work to "stabilize the security environment in Gaza" by ensuring demilitarization processes, including destruction of military infrastructure and permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups.

International Consultation Process

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that potential contributing nations are awaiting the final wording of the UN resolution before committing troops. Following a Gaza-focused meeting in Istanbul with counterparts from Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and representatives from UAE and Qatar, Fidan emphasized that countries require a clearly defined mandate and legitimate UN authorization before participating in such a force.