Egypt Seeks International Resolution to Establish Peacekeeping Force in Gaza

SadaNews - Egypt is working hard to secure a resolution from the United Nations Security Council "as soon as possible" to establish a peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip, according to Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty.

In an interview with "The National," Abdel Aty stated that the mission of the proposed force and peace council should be to support Palestinians in managing their own affairs, adding that "it will not be acceptable for foreigners to manage Gaza."

The Egyptian minister said: "We need to first secure a resolution from the Security Council as soon as possible to endorse this plan, to legitimize this international stability force, and to define its mission and mandate."

He emphasized that "this is of utmost importance," adding that Egypt is "ready to participate in all forms, but within specific standards" that will be detailed in the Security Council resolution through a "clear mandate."

Sources had previously informed "The National" that Cairo is expected to lead a joint force of four countries to achieve stability in Gaza, consisting of at least 4,000 soldiers from Egypt, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Indonesia.

The sources added that it has already been decided that the force will not carry heavy weapons and will primarily rely on light firearms and armored vehicles.

The force will initially be deployed in areas from which the Israeli army has withdrawn, under the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan.

Abdel Aty stated: "The mission must be peacekeeping, not peace enforcement."

He clarified that the force, along with the peace council that will be led by Trump alongside other politicians like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, should also help provide essential services to the residents of Gaza and support police officers through training and capacity building, but that "it will not be acceptable for foreigners to manage Gaza, of course."

The minister explained that "the peace council exists to provide support and communicate with Israel, to monitor the flow of money and funding for humanitarian assistance and the reconstruction of Gaza."

He said: "This money will come from donors, and they have the full right to ensure there is a mechanism for monitoring and oversight of spending the funds."

Abdel Aty remarked: "Challenges exist, but it all comes down to both parties fulfilling their obligations, and more importantly maintaining communication with the Americans. That is why we are in daily contact with them."

He added: "We must communicate with the Americans because this is the main guarantee for implementing Trump's plan. The only guarantee to ensure that both sides fulfill their obligations is the direct involvement of the U.S. president himself, as well as the United States. Without American intervention, and without Trump’s intervention, it would have been extremely difficult to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel to put an end to the war on Gaza."