The International Stabilization Force (ISF) will be deployed in the Gaza Strip at the beginning of 2026, a US official told The Jerusalem Post Tuesday night.
The ISF would initially include only personnel from one or two countries, with more countries potentially joining in the future, the official said, adding that it “will not be deployed in areas controlled by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.”
International Stabilization Force and Hamas disarmament
Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon last month said the ISF must play an active role in disarming Hamas. Nevertheless, he said it was complicated to envision when such a force would come into effect.
“What interests us now is seeing whether this force can stabilize the situation and strip Hamas of its weapons,” Danon said. “That’s the immediate objective.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made similar comments last month, saying there was uncertainty about when the ISF would launch its operations. Many countries were reluctant to enter the Gaza Strip, despite expressing support for a ceasefire, he said.
The US official did not disclose the countries that would be involved in the ISF.
Turkish security sources had earlier said they were ready and waiting to be deployed.
“We have no problem with the troops being sent to Gaza to join the ISF,” a Turkish security source said. “The Americans also very much want us there, while Israel opposes it. The Americans are pressuring Israel to have Turkish troops [as part of the force].”