UAE likely to skip 'US-led Gaza force' over lack of clear plan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Nov 2025 21:02
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The UAE rejects involvement in a "US-led Gaza force," criticizing Washington’s vague plans.

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Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground aggression in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 (AP)

The United Arab Emirates will "probably" not participate in the "US-led international stabilization force" for Gaza, citing a lack of a clear operational framework, a senior official said on Monday.

Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate forum, Emirati presidential advisor Anwar Gargash stated, “The UAE does not yet see a clear framework for the stability force, and under such circumstances will probably not participate in such a force.”

The proposed force, coordinated by the United States, is expected to include troops from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, alongside the UAE. Last week, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the international mission would deploy to Gaza “very soon", as a fragile ceasefire continues to hold after two years of war.

US 'Gaza force' must have UN mandate, power to PA: Guterres

Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the international “stabilization force” proposed by the United States for "post-war Gaza" must operate under a United Nations mandate.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Summit for Social Development, Guterres stated that the US-drafted resolution, which will be discussed by UN member states, should ensure the force “has a UN mandate.” He added that the proposed transitional period “should lead to the transfer of full power in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority.”

US circulates draft UN resolution for foreign forces in Gaza: Axios

This comes in response to a draft resolution that the US shared with several UN Security Council members proposing the deployment of "international security forces" in the Gaza Strip, according to an Axios report, citing a copy of the document.

The draft calls for establishing an international force to operate in Gaza for at least two years, potentially until the end of 2027. It would grant the US and participating nations broad authority to manage security and governance during that period, with an option for extension.

The proposed "Gaza security force plan", a key part of the Trump administration’s broader initiative, allegedly aims to stabilize the region in the wake of a fragile and repeatedly broken ceasefire.

Sources familiar with the matter told Axios that the US Central Command is leading the effort to develop the International Stabilization Force (ISF). The envisioned mission would include a newly trained and vetted Palestinian police force alongside military contributions from Arab and Muslim-majority countries.

Is ISF feasible?

Countries such as Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Turkey have shown openness to participating, though concerns remain over security risks and political complexities.

Officials say the force would be deployed under conditions acceptable to both the Palestinian Resistance and the occupation, with a core focus on monitoring Gaza’s borders with Egypt and the Israeli entity, and preventing weapons smuggling. Participation by Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar is considered critical due to their ties with Hamas.

However, "Israel" has objected to Turkey’s involvement, viewing its military presence as politically unpalatable. Still, US officials are pushing for Ankara’s participation due to its key role in negotiating previous ceasefires and influencing Hamas leadership.

“The Turks were very helpful in getting the Gaza deal, and Netanyahu’s bashing of Turkey has been very counterproductive,” one US official said to Axios.

Deployment hinges on Hamas consent, Israeli approval

A central condition of the ISF’s deployment is Hamas’ agreement to relinquish its governing authority and disarm. Though officials acknowledge that such a move may not be realistic, they stress the importance of getting the Resistance to accept the deployment and avoid framing the ISF as an occupying force.

"If Hamas consents, it’s a different situation," said a source to Axios, adding, "Then the force won’t be fighting Hamas, but instead maintaining order and pushing back spoilers."

US officials are reportedly discussing guarantees for Hamas fighters to ensure they are not targeted after stepping down, according to Axios, adding that they are also close to finalizing a UN Security Council resolution that would provide international legal backing for the ISF, without formally designating it as a UN peacekeeping mission.

This would allow Washington to maintain oversight and strategic control while encouraging global participation. "The goal is to create stability in Gaza with something both sides can live with,” one official told Axios.

The ISF would likely be deployed first in southern Gaza to establish an alleged reconstruction zone and test the feasibility of broader operations.

While there is cautious support from regional partners, the path forward is fraught with political and logistical challenges. Officials involved in the talks stress the urgency of preventing a return to full-scale war, while acknowledging the risk of failure.

“Most people who know the history of this conflict don’t give it a large chance for success,” one source told Axios. “But at the same time, no one wants to get on the wrong side of Donald Trump.”

Wider context

The United States is increasingly aligning with "Israel" on a strategy to assert occupation of parts of Gaza, allegedly promoting reconstruction projects in Israeli-occupied areas while sidelining Palestinians.

US officials, including Jared Kushner, are pushing for a “New Gaza” under Israeli control, with a transitional authority model that could formalize long-term occupation.

Arab and European nations, however, are voicing strong opposition, warning that such a plan would permanently undermine Palestinian sovereignty. Concerns include forced displacement of Palestinians, the creation of demilitarized zones under Israeli occupation, and the marginalization of Palestinian governance structures.

Even within Israeli security circles, doubts exist about the feasibility of managing such densely populated areas, while regional actors like Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Turkey are pressing the UN to prevent formal adoption of US-backed measures.

For Palestinians, resistance is likely to take multiple forms. Many refuse to be forcibly displaced or accept governance imposed under occupation, while Palestinian Resistance factions may resort to asymmetric operations. Legal and diplomatic challenges are expected, with Arab states and international bodies framing the plan as a violation of international law and Palestinian rights. Meanwhile, humanitarian advocacy will remain a key tool for galvanizing global attention and pressuring donor states to condition reconstruction funding on respect for Palestinian sovereignty.