On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Walz shared a draft resolution with partner nations at the U.N. Security Council. This resolution aims to advance President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, which includes the possible deployment of international security forces, according to a senior U.S. official.
Walz recently engaged with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The draft resolution proposes establishing a two-year international stabilization force in Gaza, supervised by the U.N., as part of a larger post-war strategy.
According to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press, this draft would empower the mission to take necessary steps to ensure Gaza’s security, protect civilians, and start demilitarizing armed groups once major hostilities cease. Furthermore, it suggests forming an interim peace committee that would collaborate with Egypt, Israel, and a vetted Palestinian police force.
The U.S. has declined to send combat troops but is encouraging Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia, Egypt, the UAE, and Turkey to contribute personnel. However, Israeli officials have stated that they won’t permit any Turkish troops at the border.
Interestingly, the meeting also included representatives from the Palestinian Authority, which is quite unusual. The U.S. is suggesting restoration of power to the Palestinian Authority following certain reforms—something that Israel reportedly opposes, as mentioned by Axios.
In comments made to Fox News Digital, John Spencer, from the Modern War Institute, expressed cautious optimism about the concept, but noted it would need to follow successful examples from history. He emphasized that a clear mission, sufficient troop numbers, and the authority to act are key elements of success.
Kosovo as a Success Model
Spencer referenced Kosovo’s post-war stabilization as a positive example, mentioning the deployment of about 50,000 troops to help restore governance and separate combatants following NATO’s intervention in 1999. He argued that a well-defined disarmament process combined with capable forces can lead to stability.
He also shared concerns that similar patience is necessary for success in Gaza. He suggested that anyone hoping for quick results might be overly optimistic, remarking that stabilization efforts can persist for decades.
Lessons from Bosnia
During the Bosnian War, the Dayton Accords led to an extensive NATO-led peacekeeping force, aimed at creating stability and aiding in reconstruction. Spencer observed that such missions should also focus on strong leadership and legal authority, rather than relying solely on unarmed observers.
East Timor’s Quick Recovery
In East Timor, an Australian-led mission under U.N. auspices quickly helped restore order and governance after violence erupted post-independence. Spencer noted the importance of establishing legitimacy from the outset for any mission in Gaza.
France’s Cautionary Example from Lebanon
Conversely, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon has been criticized as ineffective, with Spencer labeling it a failed endeavor. He argued that the same mistakes should not happen in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a mission that liberates rather than occupies.
Strategic Insights for Gaza
Spencer described a necessary strategy for Gaza as stabilizing cleared areas while fighting continues elsewhere. He anticipates that, alongside Israeli Defense Forces operations, international efforts will focus on humanitarian aid and the restoration of order in secure areas.
He intends to promote the vision of a peaceful future for Gaza, stressing the importance of early and small-scale successes. With about 200 American personnel currently involved in coordinating logistics and other preparations, Spencer believes this presence is essential for effective stabilization.
Lastly, he cautioned that the mission could face challenges from misinformation and groups opposed to peace. He highlighted the need for training local forces to enhance governance and credibility, which are vital for the long-term legitimacy of any peace efforts.
