The Board of Peace, formed following the US-supported Gaza ceasefire in October, announced significant progress this week. Israel has consented to the entry of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a crucial element of the ceasefire agreement. The ISF will coordinate with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and operate under the approval of Israeli officials, while Israel continues to control approximately 70% of Gaza, with Hamas governing the remainder. The ISF’s deployment is expected to facilitate humanitarian efforts and reconstruction, with hopes of transitioning Gaza to a technocratic administration. Countries like Kosovo, Albania, Morocco, and Kazakhstan are contributing personnel to support the ISF’s mission, which aims to disarm Hamas and introduce a new governance model in Gaza.
Why It Matters
The establishment of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza represents a pivotal step in ongoing efforts to stabilize the region post-conflict. Historically, Gaza has faced significant humanitarian challenges under Hamas governance since 2007, limiting the residents’ access to education and healthcare. The situation is compounded by Israel’s strategic interests in ensuring that only nations with normalized relations participate in the ISF’s operations. The success of this initiative could influence broader regional dynamics, including potential advancements in the Abraham Accords and relations between Israel and Gulf states.
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