A major Arab state has announced it will not participate in an international security force proposed for the Gaza Strip, stating the current plan lacks a sufficient legal foundation. This move highlights significant regional reservations about a U.S.-backed initiative aimed at maintaining order and overseeing disarmament in the territory following recent hostilities.
The decision was communicated publicly by a senior diplomatic official, who emphasized the nation’s continued commitment to humanitarian assistance and political efforts for peace. However, the official stated that without a clear and acceptable operational framework, involvement in the force is not possible.
This stance aligns with positions taken by other regional actors. Reports indicate that at least two other countries previously considered as potential contributors have also ruled out sending troops under present conditions. One has explicitly linked its participation to a comprehensive and permanent cessation of hostilities.
The core proposal, detailed in a draft resolution circulated at the United Nations, envisions a stabilization force with a primary mandate to ensure security and oversee the disarmament of militant groups in Gaza. Critics argue the current text lacks critical elements, including a defined pathway toward Palestinian statehood and explicit consent from Palestinian leadership, which some legal experts argue is necessary to avoid legitimizing an ongoing occupation.
Further concerns have been raised about the proposed command structure. The draft suggests the force would report to a specific international board, not directly to the UN Security Council. Some nations fear the mandate could overreach, granting the force undue influence over civilian governance in Gaza—a role many believe should be reserved for a reformed Palestinian administration.
Negotiations on the final terms of the force are now underway at the UN but are expected to be complex and lengthy. This delay risks creating a security vacuum in Gaza, which analysts warn could be exploited by armed factions. Meanwhile, discussions continue on other fronts, including the reform of Palestinian institutions and the mechanisms for delivering reconstruction aid.
Separately, Israel is reportedly seeking assurances from its allies regarding its future security rights vis-à-vis Gaza. The issue of hostages also remains unresolved, with several individuals still unaccounted for.
The path forward for the stabilization plan appears increasingly fraught, as key regional players demand clearer legal guarantees and political objectives before committing their support.