Exclusively Muslim Force Proposed for Gaza Peacekeeping Mission

Exclusively Muslim Force Proposed for Gaza Peacekeeping Mission
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A proposed international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip will reportedly consist exclusively of Muslim troops, according to diplomatic sources cited by The Telegraph.

The plan arises amid ongoing efforts by the United States and its partners to deploy a 5,000-strong multinational peace-keeping contingent to Gaza under a US-brokered peace initiative aimed at demilitarizing the territory following the latest conflict.

According to the reports, Israel has stipulated that only Muslim-majority countries participate in the force. This requirement stems from Israeli objections to the inclusion of certain states, notably Turkey, in the mission. Israel is said to retain veto power over troop contributions.

Countries being considered for deployment include Indonesia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and possibly other Muslim-majority states. However, invitations to Western nations and Turkey have been reportedly excluded or blocked due to political concerns.

The force’s mandate remains under negotiation, but key elements include border security, humanitarian assistance coordination and training of a new Palestinian security structure. Skeptics warn that emphasizing religious identity in the troop composition could complicate the mission’s neutrality and legitimacy.