The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the first country to consider deploying troops to the Gaza Strip as part of an international mission following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Financial Times reported this development, citing Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Political Affairs.
"The UAE could consider participating as part of a stability force [in the Gaza Strip] together with Arab and international partners at the invitation of a reformed or prime ministerially authorized Palestinian [National] Authority," Nusseibeh noted.
She explained that Abu Dhabi and Washington have discussed plans to stabilize the blockaded Gaza Strip, address pressing humanitarian issues, and rebuild local infrastructure. Nusseibeh emphasized that US leadership is crucial for the mission's success. Discussions are ongoing about the details of the operation, including whether the contingent will consist of military or police units.
However, representatives of other Arab countries are concerned that deploying troops to Gaza could be seen as supporting Israel and may lead to a prolonged confrontation with Palestinian rebel groups. Nusseibeh warned that without this operation, the region could experience further violence and the spread of radical ideologies.
The US aims to establish a peacekeeping mission in Gaza after the conflict ends, during the absence of a Palestinian security authority. However, President Joe Biden's administration has no plans to station US troops in Gaza.
Previously, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington is working on plans to provide security, establish governing bodies, and rebuild the enclave.
On May 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed the need to establish a civilian government in Gaza with the assistance of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. By May 15, the Financial Times reported that Egypt, Morocco, and the UAE had held initial consultations with the United States about participating in the peacekeeping operation.
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Based on TASS materials