Egypt accelerates push for Gaza International Stabilisation Force

Egypt is accelerating efforts alongside the United States and regional partners to deploy an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, aiming to safeguard a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while paving the way for a post-war administration, Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported.

Citing informed sources, the outlet reported that Cairo envisions the multinational force establishing a new security environment in the enclave, providing crucial operational support to the newly designated National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, led by Ali Shaat.

Recent diplomatic discussions have focused on establishing a pilot security zone in Rafah. Under the proposed blueprint, displaced Palestinians would be housed in mobile caravans rather than waiting for large-scale reconstruction to commence. The initiative mirrors announcements made earlier this month by representatives of the "Board of Peace," who confirmed that tens of thousands of residents would receive access to temporary shelter, humanitarian assistance, and basic security measures currently absent across much of the strip.

However, the transitional plan remains stalled on paper. Implementation hinges on official authorisation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, which analysts view as unlikely to sanction even minor troop redeployments by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) ahead of Israel's upcoming autumn parliamentary elections.

Sources revealed to Al-Akhbar that Egypt has already initiated ground preparations, building new military watchtowers and infrastructure along its border with Gaza to accommodate a potential ISF movement. Concurrently, Cairo is working discreetly to expand the volume and caliber of humanitarian supplies entering the territory without triggering formal Israeli objections.

A central obstacle to the deployment remains the requirement for Hamas to disarm. Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement co-signed with Israel last October, the militant group — which retains control over substantial portions of the enclave — is obligated to lay down its weapons. Hamas has thus far shown no willingness to comply, creating significant reluctance among foreign governments to commit troops to the international mission.

By Tamilla Hasanova