Archive · 7 Nov 2025
US-Backed Gaza Stabilization Force Faces Scrutiny Over Proxy Rule Concerns
Leaders from the United States and some nearby countries are planning to create a special international group of soldiers to help keep Gaza safe for two years.
This group, called the International Stabilisation Force or ISF, would help manage Gaza after a recent war.
They would protect people, guard borders, and help train new police.
The plan is part of a larger idea from the US President.
However, some people worry this new force might end up being like a foreign power controlling Gaza indirectly, similar to what happened a long time ago under British rule.
They compare it to the 'Palestine Mandate' from the past.
This new force would be different from regular UN peacekeepers because it would have more power to enforce rules.
Hamas, a group in Gaza, has already said they won't give up their weapons.
The United Nations needs to agree to this plan.
Some countries might send soldiers, while others might help with training.
The goal is to help Gaza become self-governing after the two years, but it's unclear if the foreign force will truly leave.
The success of this plan depends on whether it can bring stability without causing more problems.
The US and regional nations are developing a plan for a two-year International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza.
The ISF is envisioned as an enforcement force, authorized to use necessary measures to maintain order and protect civilians.
A "Board of Peace", chaired by the US President and involving Israel and Egypt, would oversee the ISF's operations.
Concerns are raised that the ISF could mirror the British Mandate period, leading to a form of proxy rule over Palestinians.
Hamas has rejected disarmament, and Arab states are seeking visible Palestinian leadership to avoid 'new forms of tutelage'.
- Who
- United States, regional nations, UN Security Council, International Stabilisation Force (ISF), Hamas, Palestinians, British Mandate historical context.
- What
- Negotiations and proposed authorization of a US-drafted UN Security Council resolution for a two-year International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza to maintain order, secure borders, protect civilians, and train a new Palestinian police force.
- When
- Negotiations on the UN Security Council resolution are ongoing. Initial deployments could begin in early 2026 if approved this month. The British Mandate period was from 1920 to 1948.
- Where
- Gaza Strip, Israel, Egypt, United Nations Security Council, Washington, Cairo, New York.
- Why
- To secure Gaza following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, aiming for stabilization and eventual Palestinian self-governance, though concerns exist about it becoming a form of proxy rule.
Critics / Palestinians
Supporters / US
Nature of the Force
Critics / Palestinians
Concerns that the ISF could become another form of foreign control or "rule by proxy", similar to the British Mandate period, potentially leading to indirect foreign rule or "Mandate 2.0". Hamas views it as a "disguised occupation under foreign flags".
Supporters / US
The ISF is described as a multinational, UN-sanctioned, and time-limited mission explicitly aimed at stabilization, not settlement-building or permanent control. It is expected to lead to Palestinian self-governance after a two-year period.
Disarmament of Hamas
Critics / Palestinians
Hamas has already rejected any disarmament conditions.
Supporters / US
A central aim of the ISF's proposed mandate is to disarm Hamas and other armed groups.
Oversight and Leadership
Critics / Palestinians
The Palestinian Authority appears sidelined, and Arab states insist on visible Palestinian leadership, warning against "new forms of tutelage". Israel reportedly has veto power over participant countries.
Supporters / US
A "Board of Peace", chaired by Trump and coordinating with Israel and Egypt, would oversee the force, with a stated goal of temporary stabilization leading to Palestinian self-governance. The US would maintain a coordination hub.
- Proposed Force Name
- International Stabilisation Force (ISF)
- Mandate Duration
- Two years
- Oversight Body
- Board of Peace (chaired by US President Trump, coordinating with Israel and Egypt)
- Potential Troop Contributors Discussed
- Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan
- Potential Logistical/Training Support
- France, Canada, Australia
- Hamas Stance
- Has rejected disarmament conditions; views ISF as disguised occupation.
- Potential Start Date
- Early 2026 (if UN Security Council approves this month)
Sources
Mediators propose deal to get Hamas fighters out of Gaza’s Israeli zone, sources say
US to start UN negotiations on Thursday on international Gaza force mandate
US set to start UN negotiations on international Gaza force mandate
As Gaza peace plan takes shape, does India have a role?
