An international military force could deploy to the Gaza Strip as early as next month. Two U.S. officials told Reuters about plans for a UN-authorised stabilisation force. This force is a key component of the next phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. However, a major unresolved issue is how to disarm the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Officials, speaking anonymously, clarified that the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) would not directly fight Hamas. Instead, its role would be to establish security and stability in the region. Many countries have expressed interest in contributing troops to the mission. U.S. officials are currently planning the force’s size, composition, and rules of engagement.
An American two-star general is under consideration to lead the multinational force. This deployment follows the first phase of the truce, which began on October 10, 2025. That phase involved a fragile ceasefire, hostage releases, and prisoner exchanges.
Gaza Demilitarization Force May Deploy Next Month
US officials said a UN-authorized International Stabilization Force could deploy to Gaza as early as next month to support demilitarization under the Trump peace plan, with troop contributions discussed and rules of engagement… pic.twitter.com/15Cx4bChxJ
— Eli Goldman | אלי גולדמן (@EliGoldman) December 12, 2025“There is a lot of quiet planning that’s going on behind the scenes right now for phase two,” stated White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. “We want to ensure an enduring and lasting peace.” The force would initially deploy in the 53% of Gaza currently held by Israeli troops.
Indonesia has already announced its preparedness to contribute. The country is ready to deploy up to 20,000 troops for health and reconstruction tasks. “We are now preparing the organisational structure of the forces to be deployed,” said Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Rico Sirait.
“If anything, [Hamas’] surviving leaders are deliberately muddying the messaging to make their terrorist organization appear reasonable and a legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.”https://t.co/st1l3i2Ggu
— Jewish Insider (@J_Insider) December 12, 2025A UN Security Council resolution adopted on November 17 authorised the creation of the ISF. The resolution mandates the force to work on demilitarising Gaza by destroying military infrastructure. It also authorises the force to decommission weapons from non-state armed groups.
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U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz noted that the force holds authorisation to use “all means necessary” for demilitarisation. He stated, “Obviously, that’ll be a conversation with each country,” regarding rules of engagement. Hamas maintains it will not disarm until a Palestinian state emerges.
