An American official revealed that the first units of the international force tasked with deploying to the Gaza Strip are expected to arrive in early 2026, as part of the Security Council resolution adopted to deploy a multinational force in the Strip, according to the Hebrew newspaper The Jerusalem Post.
According to the official, training for this force on its field missions inside Gaza has not yet begun. Meanwhile, diplomatic and financial efforts are ongoing to secure the extensive funding required for this force’s operations, in coordination with Israeli security forces in the Strip.
He clarified that a number of countries have expressed interest in contributing troops to the anticipated formation without revealing names, while the newspaper quoted another official stating that Azerbaijan and Indonesia are currently considered the most likely to send soldiers.
A diplomatic source indicated that communications included Arab and European nations who were asked to contribute to shaping and funding the international force.
The Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, stated that he does not view this force as being entirely a UN force or one that changes Israel’s security doctrine. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity to reinforce the long-term goal of disarming Gaza and dismantling the military capabilities of the Hamas movement.
His statements came hours after the Security Council session on Monday evening, which approved the American resolution to deploy the force with 13 votes in favor, while China and Russia abstained.
On the Palestinian side, the Hamas movement rejected the Security Council resolution, citing two main concerns: the measure fails to meet the rights and demands of the Palestinian people, and it seeks to impose international guardianship over the Gaza Strip—an arrangement the movement and its factions oppose, according to its statement.
In contrast, the Palestinian Authority welcomed the decision and announced its readiness to participate in implementing its provisions.
