International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza:
10 Key components of any UN Mandate for Gaza
There has been a flurry of reporting on the much-welcome and necessary discussions between the United States and its allies to establish an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza as part of the transitional period and the implementation of Phase 2 of the Trump peace plan.
The goal of this force, as initially reported, will include enforcement, not simply peacekeeping – two very different missions that each require an aggressive mandate, which allows for the use of lethal force and is intended to disarm Hamas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip.
I have thought about this issue for a long time, and offer the following
10 key components of any mandate discussed at the United Nations Security Council:
1. The ISF should have the authorization for use of deadly force, including the ability to kill Hamas and apply lethal force against those with guns who refuse to disarm or pose a threat to the civilian population.
2. The ISF should have the ability to protect the new governance apparatus that needs to emerge in Gaza, as well as the entire transitional process, including the technocratic committee and other bodies.
3. The ISF must be given the means and technology to destroy tunnels and engage in a systematic clearance process of this deadly threat and vulnerability to long-term security.
4. The ISF should be responsible for clearing unexploded munitions, which are estimated in the thousands of tons, and pose a significant risk to civilian safety, and are a source of rearmament for Hamas.
5. The ISF should be the beginning of a gradual process of trust-building that leads to the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, including from the buffer zone, and critically, should lead to the establishment of organic, capable, and professional Palestinian security forces that are from Gaza, not from the West Bank.
6. The ISF should utilize private military contractors and integrated service providers, when and where appropriate, to conduct specialized missions targeting Hamas and address logistical and other operational issues.
7. The ISF should coordinate closely with the Israeli military and be able to declare areas under their control 100% clear of Hamas to prevent these areas from being targeted by the Israeli military.
8. The ISF should facilitate the protection and delivery of humanitarian aid and distribution throughout Gaza to prevent theft and criminality by Hamas, gangs, and looters. Furthermore, it should coordinate closely with humanitarian organizations to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, facilities, supplies, and movements throughout the Gaza Strip.
9. The ISF should operate and protect Gaza’s border crossings with Israel and Egypt and ensure that no smuggling occurs above or below ground along Gaza’s borders with the two countries.
10. The ISF needs to coordinate with Israel to use and operate Gaza’s airspace and territorial waters for direct access, humanitarian missions, and to facilitate the entry of aid and supplies into the coastal enclave.
In addition to these tenets of the International Stabilization Force, there must be sustained and continued pressure on the creation of an international fund for Gaza to sponsor these activities.
It is my hope to see the world leaders come together, and for once, actually put forth something that will benefit the people of Gaza, and create a true pathway to a different reality for Gaza, Palestinians, Israelis, and the region.
