International Stability Force Considerations for Gaza
The International Stability Force (ISF), intended to monitor Gaza as part of President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, could potentially involve troops from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, and Pakistan, according to reports.
Last week, multiple Arab and Islamic nations expressed hesitance about certain aspects of the ISF arrangement, concerned that collaborating with this initiative could lead to tensions with Hamas. There’s also a prevailing worry that they might be perceived by Palestinians as an occupying force backing Israel.
Nonetheless, several non-Arab Muslim countries are stepping up to participate.
According to Ynetnews.com in Israel, officials indicated that international stabilization forces would indeed move into the Gaza Strip as outlined in the agreement. This ISF would include personnel from Indonesia, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, tasked with maintaining internal security in Gaza, assisting Israel with border security, and preventing arms smuggling.
Indonesia had already been identified as a potential future partner in the U.S.-facilitated Abraham Accords. Meanwhile, Pakistan, a Muslim-majority nation with nuclear capabilities, has recently formed a defense alliance with Saudi Arabia and remains in a complicated position with India, which has strong connections to Israel. Azerbaijan, bordering Iran, maintains a positive relationship with Israel and cooperates in both defense and technological matters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the deal allows Israel discretionary power regarding which countries can join the ISF.
“We control our security and have made it clear that we will decide which international forces are acceptable to us,” Netanyahu remarked during a government meeting, with comments shared by the Prime Minister’s office.
He added, “This stance is also supported by the United States, as our top representatives have communicated recently.”
In another development, Israel has declared a state of emergency in its southern region for the first time since the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, lifting the previous restrictions.
