US Prepares International Force for Deployment in Gaza to Restore Stability and Security

The US is preparing to deploy an international peacekeeping force in Gaza within weeks, complete with a new Palestinian police unit trained by American, Egyptian, and Jordanian forces. The plan comes as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to face challenges, with ongoing Israeli strikes despite the truce.

The American Central Command is drafting the proposal, which would create a multinational stabilization force with contributions from Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan. France's foreign minister confirmed that teams are working at the UN in New York to secure the necessary mandate for this international force.

This peacekeeping deployment is part of the second phase of Trump's ceasefire plan, though that phase hasn't been finalized yet. The broader strategy includes withdrawing Israeli forces, disarming Hamas, and establishing a temporary administration called the "Peace Council" under American leadership.

But the ceasefire remains shaky. Israeli warplanes and tanks struck eastern Gaza areas yesterday, even as Israel maintains it's committed to the US-backed truce that began on October 10th. Witnesses reported 10 Israeli airstrikes on areas east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, while tanks shelled eastern Gaza City in the north.

The hostage exchange continues as planned. Hamas has handed over the remains of 15 hostages since the ceasefire started, with the International Red Cross receiving two more bodies yesterday. Thirteen others are still missing.

Here's where it gets complicated. The current ceasefire is only the first phase of Trump's plan. The second phase - which would include the international force deployment, Israeli withdrawal, and Hamas disarmament - still needs agreement from both sides. And given the ongoing strikes and tensions, that's far from guaranteed.

The international community is clearly preparing for multiple scenarios. Having Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan ready to contribute forces shows there's real momentum behind this peacekeeping effort. But peacekeeping forces only work when there's actual peace to keep.

The stakes are high for everyone involved. A successful international force could provide the stability needed for Gaza's reconstruction and prevent future conflicts. But if the ceaseforce collapses before the force deploys, the region could face another round of devastating violence.

For now, the US and its partners are betting that having a concrete plan ready will help push the ceasefire toward a more permanent solution. Whether that bet pays off depends largely on what happens in the coming weeks as both sides test the limits of their agreement.