As the Biden administration explores strategies for stabilizing post-war Gaza, discussions have emerged about a Pentagon-funded security effort that would not include U.S. troops on the ground. These preliminary “conversations,” as described by Defense Department and other U.S. officials, are centered on either a multinational force or a Palestinian peacekeeping team, aiming to support interim governance and security structures in Gaza after the crisis. A senior administration official emphasized the collaborative nature of these plans, stating, “We are working with partners on various scenarios for interim governance and security structures in Gaza once the crisis recedes,” without delving into specifics.
The discussions, which involve the White House, Pentagon, State Department, and international counterparts, are still in early stages, with any decision potentially weeks or months away. The requirement of regional commitment to a two-state solution and the challenge of training a Palestinian-led force in a timely manner are among the hurdles to be addressed. The reluctance of Israel to engage in these discussions until its conditions, including the defeat of Hamas and the release of hostages, are met, further complicates the situation. An anonymous DOD official highlighted the complexity of aligning U.S. and Israeli perspectives, noting, “It would be one thing if the administration and the Israeli government were aligned on the way ahead, but that is just not the case.”
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by five months of intense conflict, has left the region in ruins, displacing the majority of its 2.2 million residents and severely limiting access to essential resources. In this light, the proposed security force, supported by DOD funding alongside international contributions, aims not only at stabilization but also at facilitating reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.
The International Court of Justice recently ordered Israel to improve the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for unimpeded provision of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. The court’s decision reflects the escalating humanitarian crisis, with the U.N. and aid agencies warning of the population’s struggle for basic necessities and the looming threat of famine.
As the Biden administration navigates international diplomacy and regional dynamics, the proposed security force represents a hopeful step toward stability and recovery in Gaza. However, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, requiring careful coordination and commitment from all involved parties to bring about lasting peace and rebuild the war-torn area.
