Stabilisation force in Gaza: what the UN resolution and international cooperation mean for future peace

U.S. President Donald Trump and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pose for a photo at a summit of world leaders, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt October 13, 2025 - PHOTO/ Yoan Valat via REUTERS
A new UN-backed stabilisation force could change the future of Gaza, shifting control away from the US and Israel and bringing in international support to ensure peace and security in the region

The creation of a UN-backed stabilisation force could be decisive for the post-war process in Gaza, removing the enclave's management from the exclusive influence of the United States and Israel. This project, promoted through a UN Security Council resolution, seeks to provide security and stability in a region that has been the scene of prolonged conflict, marking a shift towards international cooperation in the reconstruction and governance of Gaza.

With the approval of this UN Security Council resolution, it is hoped that an international force will be established to help combat armed gangs and ensure a lasting ceasefire. The global support and participation of several countries provide a solid legal and operational basis, which is essential for the sustainability of the plan and to avoid total dependence on unilateral actions by the United States and Israel.

  1. Basic context of the stabilisation force
  2. Causes and factors driving the stabilisation force
  3. Current data and trends on deployment
Spanish peacekeepers in training during the visit of Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles to the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Marjaaayoun, southern Lebanon, January 20, 2025 - REUTERS/ MOHAMED AZAKIR

Basic context of the stabilisation force

The proposed stabilisation force for Gaza arises in response to the urgent need to stabilise security in the Strip following the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This initiative is part of a 20-point peace plan promoted by the US president, which includes multinational cooperation to ensure a peaceful transition and orderly reconstruction.

This force will not be a traditional UN peacekeeping mission, but rather an international mission with a specific mandate, backed by a UN Security Council resolution allowing it to ‘take all necessary measures,’ including the use of force to fulfil its mission. This type of mandate is similar to that used in other operations, such as the intervention to combat armed gangs in Haiti.

Mandate and funding

The force will operate under a clear mandate from the UN, which provides legal legitimacy and opens the door to contributions from various interested countries. Unlike traditional missions funded directly by the UN, this one will be composed of contingents contributed by different states with shared operational responsibility.

The main objective is to provide basic security and political stability to enable reconstruction and prevent the resurgence of armed violence, which is considered crucial for the sustainability of the long-term peace plan.

Masked gunmen of the Qassam Brigade, the militia wing of Hamas - AP//KHALIL HAMRA

Causes and factors driving the stabilisation force

The deployment of this force is based on several key factors: the volatility of the security situation in Gaza, internal executions carried out by Hamas, and contradictions in the policies expressed by the United States. Clashes and armed control by insurgent groups have created an unstable environment where international authority is needed to prevent further grievances.

In addition, the force seeks to respond to international pressure for a more multi-centred approach to the peace process. The exclusive involvement of the United States and Israel had been criticised for limiting the scope and regional acceptance of the process. The UN resolution and the participation of Arab and Muslim countries aim to balance influence and legitimise stability from a more inclusive perspective.

Political and military pressure

  • The executions ordered by Hamas and the fight against groups considered armed gangs are exacerbating tensions.
  • The United States initially took an ambiguous stance on the role of Hamas, which caused international concern.
  • The current position of the White House, together with the involvement of European and Arab diplomats, seeks to reinforce international control based on consensus.

These causes reflect a scenario in which a stabilisation force is not only an option but a necessity to prevent a new cycle of violence.

A Palestinian boy walks with a piece of wood in his hand amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza City October 16, 2025 - REUTERS/ EBRAHIM HAJJAJ

Several countries are currently in talks to contribute to this stabilisation force, including Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar and Azerbaijan. In addition, the United States has announced that it will contribute up to 200 soldiers in support roles, although their direct deployment to Gaza is not imminent at this stage.

The British Prime Minister has indicated that the terms of reference for the mission are still being negotiated and that the Security Council resolution could be adopted soon. In the meantime, initial coordination includes the presence of small groups to oversee and facilitate deployment.

Palestinians walk through the rubble of destroyed buildings amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City October 16, 2025 - REUTERS/ DAWOUD ABU ALKAS

Notable international participation

  • France and Britain are working together with the US to formalise the mandate and the necessary resolution.
  • Italy has publicly expressed its willingness to participate in the force.
  • Indonesia has offered a significant contingent, with the possibility of deploying up to 20,000 soldiers to support peace.

These trends point to a broad international coalition supporting post-conflict stability and reconstruction. The initiative could mark a new model of multinational intervention with a clear ethical and legal mandate, capable of managing security and helping to facilitate Gaza's recovery.