In a firm stance against the proposed deployment of international and Arab forces in the Gaza Strip following the ongoing conflict, Palestinian leaders have voiced their rejection.
President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized the need for the State of Palestine to assume its responsibilities in Gaza akin to those in the West Bank.
Various Palestinian factions have dismissed the plan put forth by US and Israeli officials, labeling it as illusory and threatening to treat any multi-force presence in Gaza as occupation.
President Abbas articulated his opposition, stressing the imperative for international intervention to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, halt Israeli aggression, fully withdraw Israeli forces, and empower the State of Palestine in assuming governance in Gaza, mirroring its role in the West Bank.
Abbas’s remarks come amidst Israel’s endeavors to orchestrate an international peacekeeping initiative in Gaza post-conflict.
Israeli media disclosed Defense Minister Yoav Galant’s progress in advancing this initiative during his recent visit to Washington, indicating discussions on forming a force comprising troops from undisclosed Arab nations, managed by the United States, albeit without direct US ground presence.
Reports suggest US backing for the proposed force, likely armed to maintain order and collaborating with Gaza residents unaffiliated with Hamas, instead favoring individuals with ties to the Palestinian Authority.