US and EU back UN force in post-war Gaza, adding pressure on Israel

The United States and European nations are working on a plan to send an international peacekeeping force to the Gaza Strip after the conflict ends. This move is aimed at pressuring Israel to cease its military operations as the number of civilian casualties rises. People with knowledge of the confidential discussions indicate that there are still significant uncertainties about the feasibility of such a force in Gaza, and they acknowledge Israel's strong reservations about the proposal. However, they believe that even the act of considering the idea might encourage Israel to contemplate concluding its military campaign.

The conversations about this plan are happening within the United Nations Security Council and are still in the initial stages. They are partly in response to the increasing global demands for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by both the US and the EU. The Security Council has recently passed a resolution requesting temporary halts in the combat to assist civilians, and notably, the US did not use its power to veto this resolution, marking a departure from its usual unwavering support for Israel.

One of the options being explored involves giving more responsibilities to the UN Truce Supervision Organization, established back in 1949 to oversee peace agreements between Palestinian Arabs and Israel. This organization could potentially play a larger role in maintaining peace in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has not commented on the matter, but Israeli leaders have outlined their prerequisites for any peace plan in Gaza, which include the dismantling of Hamas and ensuring the freedom of movement for Israeli forces. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has mentioned that the US envisions a future for Gaza that is free from the control of both Hamas and Israel. Israeli officials, however, express doubt about the effectiveness of a UN force and insist on the need for Israeli troops to have access to Gaza to prevent the rearmament of anti-Israel groups. Arab nations are cautious and want a solid plan for Palestinian governance and a two-state solution before they support the introduction of foreign forces. The situation remains complex, with many uncertainties about the aftermath of the conflict and the extent of Israel's military actions.