International diplomatic organizations reportedly push for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force in the Palestinian territories, as suggested by the Arab League.
The Arab League is set to demand the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force in occupied Palestinian territories until a two-state solution with Israel is achieved, as per media reports. This call will likely be made during the Arab League summit in Bahrain this Thursday, according to both BBC Arabic and Asharq Al-Awsat.
The regional body will emphasize the urgency of establishing a timeline for a political process leading to a Palestinian state. They will also push for full recognition of Palestine by the UN Security Council on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
These developments come amid ongoing discussions about "post-war governance" in Gaza, with international and Israeli officials raising the issue of Hamas no longer being a capable governing force.
The Financial Times reported earlier this week that the US has been pressuring Arab states to join a Gaza multinational force to avoid having Israeli troops stationed there permanently. Arab states have reportedly asked the US to lead the initiative, but Washington is hesitant about deploying American troops on the ground in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia, among other Arab states, has reportedly rejected the idea of deploying their forces in Gaza, fearing it would be perceived as complicity with Israel. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had also earlier ruled out taking part in Gaza's governance, saying it would essentially be offering cover for Israel's actions in the enclave.
Bahrain, despite being a close ally of Saudi Arabia, has signaled its readiness to be part of an Arab multinational force to administer security in Gaza post-war, according to a US official. A senior western official familiar with the attempts to build this force said Bahrain could serve as a catalyst for a broader push for a multinational force. However, the involvement of Saudi Arabia and the UAE remains crucial.
Meanwhile, there's discord within the Israeli government regarding post-war plans in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant recently criticized the reluctance of Netanyahu's government to present a clear post-war plan, expressing opposition to open-ended Israeli military or civilian rule in Gaza due to its negative strategic, military, and security implications.
Despite Israel's continued bombardment of Gaza, they have failed to achieve their declared goals of dismantling Hamas' military and governance capabilities or returning the captives. Troops and tanks were sent into northern Gaza last week but faced stiff resistance from Hamas, resulting in the death of at least 10 soldiers in six days.
Hamas and other Palestinian factions had previously rejected the presence of any foreign forces in Gaza after the war, considering governance of the strip an internal Palestinian matter. On Wednesday, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh downplayed any post-war plans that exclude Hamas, stating, "Hamas was here to stay." He added that the post-war administration of the Gaza Strip will be decided by Hamas in consultation with other Palestinian parties.
- The Arab League's demand for a UN peacekeeping force in Palestinian territories is part of the general news, as it's related to ongoing discussions in the Middle East.
- The Arab League summit in Bahrain will see an analysis of the Middle East conflict, as the regional body aims to establish a timeline for a political process leading to a Palestinian state.
- The UN Security Council's full recognition of Palestine is a matter of opinion, as it involves the recognition of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- Security concerns are at the forefront of discussions about post-war governance in Gaza, with both international and Israeli officials expressing concerns about Hamas' capability as a governing force.
- The media is reporting on the US's push for Arab states to join a Gaza multinational force to avoid permanent Israeli troop presence, and the US's hesitation to deploy American troops in Gaza.
- War-and-conflicts continue in the Middle East, as Israel's bombardment of Gaza has failed to achieve declared goals and has resulted in casualties among both Israeli troops and Palestinians.
