Hamas Sets Conditions for International Peacekeepers in Gaza
As Indonesia prepares to potentially contribute up to 8,000 troops to a new peacekeeping mission in Gaza, Hamas has outlined its conditions for accepting a foreign presence in the region. The move comes as part of a broader plan brokered by the United States to end the conflict in Gaza, envisioning a multinational force to stabilize the area.
The Role of an International Force: A Balancing Act
Hamas officials, including spokesperson Basem Naim, have stated they do not object to international forces in Gaza, provided they act as a buffer between both sides along the borders. Crucially, any involvement must exclude interference in Palestinian internal affairs – whether civilian, security-related, or political. According to Naim, intervention in these areas would lead Palestinians to view the forces as a replacement for the existing occupation.
This position reflects a widespread consensus among Palestinian factions, reached through multiple meetings. The core concern is preventing external attempts to impose control over Palestinian sovereignty and decision-making.
Specific Conditions for Acceptance
Hamas insists the international force’s primary role must be to maintain the ceasefire, prevent the resumption of hostilities and facilitate the separation of conflicting parties. Any expansion of the mandate to include involvement in Palestinian civil administration or security matters will be met with resistance. Hamas has warned that any force exceeding these boundaries will be considered a substitute occupation force.
The Indonesian Contribution and Broader International Involvement
Indonesia’s offer to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers represents the first concrete commitment to the peacekeeping mission. The potential force is expected to include military personnel from over 12 countries, including other major Islamic nations. However, acceptance of contributions remains contingent on full adherence to the Palestinian-defined terms of engagement.
The ‘Council of Peace’ and Future Governance
A ‘Council of Peace’ is slated to be established to oversee the international force and coordinate its activities. This council, backed by a United Nations Security Council resolution, will also be responsible for supervising a new Palestinian technocratic government in Gaza and leading reconstruction efforts. The first meeting of the council is scheduled for February 19th.
Challenges and Potential Obstacles
Balancing international plans, such as the new US administration’s proposal, with the conditions set by Palestinian factions presents a significant challenge. The complex geographical landscape of Gaza necessitates precise security protocols to avoid misunderstandings that could jeopardize the entire peacekeeping operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Hamas’s main concern regarding international peacekeepers?
A: Hamas’s primary concern is that the forces do not interfere in Palestinian internal affairs and respect Palestinian sovereignty.
Q: What role is Indonesia playing in the potential peacekeeping mission?
A: Indonesia has offered to contribute up to 8,000 troops, making it the first country to pledge personnel to the mission.
Q: What is the ‘Council of Peace’?
A: The ‘Council of Peace’ is intended to be a political and legal framework for coordinating the international force and overseeing the new Palestinian government.
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