France, along with Britain and the United States, is actively working on establishing a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at setting up an international force in Gaza to stabilize the region. This development comes as a fragile U.S.-mediated ceasefire remains in place between Israel and Hamas, leading U.S. advisers to initiate discussions about the potential role of international forces to enhance security in the Palestinian enclave.
French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux emphasized to reporters the importance of a U.N. mandate for such a force, stating that it would lend support to international law and facilitate contributions from other nations willing to assist. He underlined that discussions with both American and British counterparts are ongoing and that a resolution could be proposed imminently.
Prior to this effort, Paris hosted talks with various European and Arab nations, aimed at conceptualizing Gaza’s transition post-conflict, including the structure of an international force. Officials clarified that this proposed stabilisation initiative would not represent a conventional U.N. peacekeeping mission funded by the world body. Instead, it may draw parallels to past actions by the Security Council regarding international deployments in Haiti, where resolutions authorize forces to use necessary means to execute their mandates.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer provided insights into the planning process, noting that the specifics of the mission are still being finalized and that establishing this force could take time. The discussions reflect a broader commitment from numerous nations, with Indonesia having previously offered to contribute around 20,000 troops if a U.N. resolution is passed. Additional countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, and Azerbaijan, are also in talks to potentially support the mission.
Amid this international dialogue, up to two dozen U.S. troops are present in the region to assist in coordination and oversight. Italy has also publicly expressed its willingness to participate. The international community’s dedication to discussing an international force exemplifies a hopeful efforts to create pathways for stability and peace in a region deeply affected by conflict. As the situation unfolds, sustained cooperation between nations and institutions will be crucial in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis while working toward long-term solutions.
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