Palestinian Study of "International Force in Gaza" proposal

Informed Palestinian sources revealed to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper the Palestinian Authority's position on the American proposal to establish an international force in the Gaza Strip, indicating that the proposal is being studied and noting the possibility of demanding amendments to the resolution's text.

According to the sources, the Palestinian Authority welcomes the formation of the force through the Security Council, but they do not want it to be done under Chapter VII or VI, noting that there are reservations related to the nature of the force's work, the duration of its mandate, and the role of the Palestinian Authority.

Israeli media outlets, citing unnamed Israeli sources, reported that while the proposed resolution leans toward Tel Aviv's demands, reservations remain.

The Israeli sources also expressed acceptance of the clause stipulating that the force would also address the disarmament of the Gaza Strip, a significant point of contention expected to provoke widespread Palestinian rejection.

Israel opposes the presence of the Palestinian Authority and the potential deployment of Turkish forces, but might accept the presence of a Palestinian police force.

The newspaper Yediot Aharonot revealed in a report that Israel opposes the establishment of a Palestinian police force but understands it as an Arab demand and may accept it. The report indicated that Tel Aviv will reiterate to Washington its rejection of a Turkish force, with a diplomatic source confirming that the Turks will not be part of the peacekeeping force.

The participating countries have not yet been determined, and Arab states have linked their participation to the nature of the force's mandate in Gaza.

Israeli assessments suggest that Indonesia, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan will participate in this force.

The UN Security Council will hold a session to discuss a draft resolution aimed at deploying the first troops to Gaza by January. The draft resolution also calls for empowering the Peace Council, as a transitional governing body, to prioritize and raise funds for the reconstruction of Gaza until the Palestinian Authority successfully completes its reform program, subject to the Peace Council's approval.

It is worth noting that Chapter VII of the UN Charter addresses threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression. Some of its articles authorize the Security Council to take military action, including the deployment of air, sea, and land forces, to maintain or restore international peace and security.

ANHA