The U.S. has laid out a bold new plan to reshape security in Gaza—and it’s far from business as usual. According to a draft resolution recently shared with the UN Security Council, Washington is pushing for the creation of an international force with sweeping powers to stabilize and govern Gaza through at least 2027. But unlike traditional peacekeeping missions, this one’s going in with teeth.
A New Type of Force for a New Type of Mission
This isn’t your standard blue-helmet peacekeeping operation. The proposed International Security Force (ISF) would act more like law enforcement, not peacekeepers, with authority to actively manage Gaza’s security and support a transition away from militant control.
According to the draft resolution, the ISF would have a broad mandate to secure borders, protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and most critically—disarm militant groups like Hamas. Troops would come from a mix of countries including Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan.
While the resolution is still under negotiation, sources say the Security Council could vote on it within weeks. If approved, boots could hit the ground by early 2026.
Disarmament and Stabilization: Core Priorities
The driving goal behind this plan is clear: demilitarize Gaza and prevent another flare-up like the most recent war. The ISF would be tasked with:
- Securing the borders with Israel and Egypt
- Protecting civilians and aid corridors
- Dismantling weapons held by non-state groups, especially Hamas
- Supporting the formation and training of a new Palestinian police force
Unlike previous ceasefire deals that fell apart, this one includes international enforcement and a framework to keep things stable on the ground.
Enter the Gaza Peace Council
Alongside the ISF, the U.S. proposal includes the formation of a transitional governing body called the Gaza Peace Council. The idea is to have a civilian-led authority set priorities for rebuilding, distribute aid, and oversee day-to-day affairs.
This council would work with a committee of Palestinian technocrats, forming the administrative backbone for Gaza’s recovery. While the council is backed by the U.S., President Donald Trump has said he intends to personally help lead its launch, signaling just how much political capital Washington is investing in this move.
Coordinated With Israel, But Not Occupation
One key detail: the U.S. doesn’t plan to station its own troops directly inside Gaza. While around 200 American troops may be sent to Israel to assist in coordinating security efforts, the actual force on the ground will be international.
Operations will be closely coordinated with both Israel and Egypt, especially as Israeli forces begin a gradual withdrawal. During this transition, the Palestinian Authority is expected to roll out reforms and eventually take full administrative control—though how and when that happens remains uncertain.
A Real Shot at Long-Term Peace?
The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered with help from Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, opened the door to this plan. But there’s still tension. Fresh Israeli strikes on Hamas targets have raised concerns that the fragile truce could unravel.
That makes the success of this international force even more urgent. If the ISF can help reduce violence, clear out armed factions, and support a stable handover to Palestinian governance, it might just offer a model for future peacekeeping missions—one with real enforcement power and a clear exit strategy.
What’s Next?
The proposal still needs to clear several political hurdles, including approval from the UN Security Council and buy-in from all participating nations. But the fact that this is on the table marks a significant shift in how the U.S. and its allies are thinking about Gaza: not just a crisis to contain, but a space to rebuild with structure, oversight, and accountability.
The coming weeks will be critical. If the plan moves forward, Gaza could see the arrival of international forces by January—bringing with them the promise of order, and perhaps the first real step toward lasting peace in years.
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