As diplomatic and military planning accelerates following the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, the US administration is preparing a comprehensive roadmap centered on deploying an international stabilization force to the territory. According to US officials speaking to Reuters, the force would operate under United Nations authorization and play a central role in restoring security in Gaza.

International Stabilization Force on the Table

Two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the International Stabilization Force (ISF) could be deployed to Gaza as early as next month. The officials stressed that the force would not engage in combat with Hamas, but would instead focus on maintaining security and supporting stability.

US officials said many countries have expressed interest in contributing to the force, and that planning is currently underway regarding the ISF’s size, structure, housing, training, and rules of engagement.

Critical Meeting in Doha

US Central Command is expected to hold a conference in Doha on December 16 with partner countries to discuss planning for the International Stabilization Force for Gaza. Officials said more than 25 countries are expected to send representatives, with command structure and operational details among the key issues on the agenda.

Under the plan, a US two-star general is being considered to lead the Israeli Security Forces (ISF), though no final decision has yet been made.

Next Phase of Trump’s Peace Plan

The deployment of the international force is seen as a cornerstone of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. In the first phase, a fragile ceasefire took effect on October 10 after more than two years of war, with Hamas releasing hostages and Israel freeing detained Palestinians.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “quiet but intensive” planning is underway for the second phase, emphasizing that the goal is to achieve lasting and sustainable peace.

Indonesia Signals Military Contribution

Indonesia announced it is prepared to deploy up to 20,000 troops to Gaza, primarily for health and construction-related missions. Indonesian Defense Ministry spokesperson Rico Sirait said the force structure is still in the planning and preparation stage.

Situation on the Ground and Control Balance

Israel currently controls about 53% of Gaza, while the majority of the nearly 2 million Palestinians living in the territory reside in areas under Hamas control. According to US officials, the plan envisions the deployment of Israeli Security Forces to areas under Israeli control to ensure stability.

Under Trump’s plan, as control and stability are established, Israeli troops would withdraw gradually based on defined disarmament standards, benchmarks, and timelines.

Debate Over Gaza’s Demilitarization

A UN Security Council resolution adopted on November 17 authorizes the ISF to oversee Gaza’s demilitarization process. This includes dismantling military and attack infrastructure, preventing reconstruction of such capabilities, and ensuring the permanent surrender of weapons by non-state armed groups.

However, how this process would function in practice remains uncertain. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the ISF would have the authority to disarm Gaza using all necessary means, including force.

Conflicting Signals From Hamas and Israel

Hamas said the issue of disarmament has not been formally discussed with the group and reiterated its position that it would not disarm until an independent Palestinian state is established. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, said the second phase would clearly move toward demilitarization and disarmament.

Netanyahu said he welcomed efforts to establish a multinational task force, noting that such a force could carry out certain missions, but added that not every challenge could be addressed by this structure alone.

The planned international force for Gaza is emerging as a critical factor that could shape both regional security dynamics and the post-war order.