Overview
- U.S. officials say a U.N.-authorized International Stabilization Force could begin deploying next month, with an American two-star general under consideration to lead it and rules of engagement still being defined.
- Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal proposed a weapons freeze or storage rather than surrender, signaled openness to peacekeepers along Gaza’s border, and rejected foreign forces operating inside the territory.
- An Israeli official said Hamas will be disarmed under the U.S.-backed plan, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged some disarmament tasks may exceed what a multinational force can do.
- Indonesia says it is preparing up to 20,000 personnel for health and construction roles in Gaza, while broader troop contributions to the stabilization force remain unconfirmed.
- The U.N. Security Council endorsed Trump’s framework in November, granting the Board of Peace authority through 2027, as the White House eyes early 2026 to announce board members and has floated Nickolay Mladenov for an on-the-ground role.