DaysofPal- Daily meetings continue at a military base near Kiryat Gat, with representatives from 21 countries discussing the formation of an international force to operate in the Gaza Strip once a ceasefire is in place, Hebrew media sources revealed.
Despite weeks of negotiations, the legal mandate of this force remains unresolved, while six working groups are studying the force’s mission, areas of deployment, armament levels, and coordination mechanisms to avoid friction with the Israeli occupation forces.
Israeli sources indicate that the final U.S. decision on establishing the force may come “within weeks to months.”
Parallel legal discussions are also underway between the United Nations and the United States regarding the authority and limitations of the proposed force.
International teams are examining the logistical and operational infrastructure needed to receive such a force in Gaza, including communication systems, dealing with tunnels, and handling weapons remaining with Palestinian factions.
Although some reports suggested that the forces might be stationed in the Israeli occupation, Israeli security sources insist that the main base will be inside the Gaza Strip, though this remains subject to the approval of participating countries, many of which have concerns about their soldiers’ safety.
Palestinian parties are entirely absent from these discussions. Turkey and Qatar are also not participating, despite expectations of their major role in financing Gaza’s reconstruction.
The Israeli military establishment has expressed concerns that the influence of these two countries could later affect the governance structure in the Strip.
In parallel, another working group is developing reconstruction plans, including the construction of new neighborhoods and identifying electricity and water sources, amid the massive destruction inflicted across large areas of Gaza.
Specialized teams are reviewing files related to education, religious discourse, and infrastructure, as well as the major challenges posed by clearing thousands of tons of rubble.
Around 150 Israeli soldiers and officers are taking part in this international mechanism to ensure that “Israeli security interests” are maintained throughout the ongoing discussions.
Countries such as Britain and Italy are showing particular interest in the tunnel issue, while others focus on humanitarian aspects.
According to Israeli security assessments, the ongoing process is likely to lead to a model of local Palestinian administration under international supervision, one that could last for many years.
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