Countries refuse to send troops to Gaza over fears of confrontation with Hamas

Several countries have expressed reservations about joining a proposed international peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip, citing unclear mission objectives and fears of potential clashes with Hamas, according to diplomats and officials quoted by The New York Times today.

Under U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, an international security force would be deployed to the territory. However, some countries are hesitant to participate due to the risks involved, the ambiguous nature of the mission, and concerns that such forces might be perceived as an occupying presence, the newspaper reported.

Trump’s 20-point plan is based on a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of international peacekeepers, and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza. The goal is to secure the area, prevent the smuggling of weapons, facilitate humanitarian aid distribution, and train a new Palestinian police force.

Diplomats and officials from several countries involved in the ongoing negotiations told The New York Times that the lack of clarity around the mission’s mandate is the main obstacle to forming and deploying the force.

Representatives from multiple countries reportedly said they would not send troops until the exact role and rules of engagement of the force are clearly defined once deployed in Gaza.

Sources also noted that these countries are unwilling to put their soldiers in a position where they would effectively be fighting Hamas on behalf of Israel.

Furthermore, in closed-door negotiations, some states rejected the idea of deploying their forces inside urban centers in Gaza due to the dangers posed by Hamas’ extensive tunnel network and the presence of armed fighters in densely populated areas.