US Prepares ISF Troops To Stabilize Gaza's Security

JAKARTA - The United States has reportedly compiled a United Nations (UN) resolution that approved a two-year mandate for Gaza's transitional governing body and international stabilization forces in the Palestinian territories.

The draft, which is still under development and can change as seen by Reuters, has been distributed to several countries this week, but has not been officially circulated to a 15-member Security Council to negotiate.

A State Department spokesman said discussions with members of the UN Security Council and other partners on how to implement President Donald Trump's plans for Gaza were ongoing and declined to comment on "the alleged leaked documents."

The two-page text will authorize the transitional government of the Peace Council to form a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza that could "use all necessary measures" - a code for power - to carry out its mandate.

The ISF will be authorized to protect civilians and humanitarian aid operations, working to secure border areas with Israel, Egypt, and "the newly trained and selected Palestinian police force, which will be the responsibility of the ISF to train and support it."

The ISF will stabilize security in Gaza, "including through demilitarization of non-state armed groups and permanent deactivation of weapons, if needed."

Israel and Palestinian militants, Hamas, approved the first phase of Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, a month ago, namely a ceasefire in their two-year war and a deal to release hostages.

The next phase of the plan, which will be backed by a UN draft resolution, is the establishment of the Peace Council and ISF.

Trump's plan also ended the Hamas administration in Gaza and stated the enclave would be demilitarized. Hamas has not said whether they will agree to strip off arms and demilitarize Gaza something that was previously rejected by the militants.

The ISF will be deployed under the integrated command agreed by the Peace Council and in close consultation with Egypt and Israel after a detailed agreement on mission status and power has been reached, according to the resolution.