Senior American officials confirmed on Wednesday that work is progressing to form an international force to help restore order in Gaza, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s peace framework, Reuters reported.
Central to the initiative is a U.S.-supported multinational stabilization force. Washington has pledged to contribute as many as 200 troops in a support capacity, though none are expected to enter Gaza itself.
During a press briefing, advisers to the president highlighted the fragile situation between the IDF and Hamas fighters. “Right now what we’re looking to accomplish is just a basic stabilization of the situation. The international stabilization force is starting to be constructed,” one of the advisers explained.
Negotiations are ongoing with multiple countries that could take part in the operation, including Indonesia, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Azerbaijan. A small contingent of roughly two dozen American troops is already stationed nearby to assist with “coordination, oversight” as the groundwork for the mission is laid.
“The goal is to use all the different local partners who want to help and be involved,” the adviser said, emphasizing the cooperative nature of the plan.
Following Hamas’ execution of seven men in Gaza City accused of aiding Israel, officials began exploring the establishment of designated safe zones for civilians to prevent similar acts of violence, one adviser told reporters.
A second adviser stressed that there are no intentions to remove Gazans from their homes, noting that rebuilding plans are being drawn up for areas cleared of Hamas elements.
On the sensitive matter of recovering the bodies of Israeli hostages who were killed in Gaza, the advisers asked the public to remain patient, explaining that many of the remains are likely trapped beneath collapsed buildings and unexploded munitions. They revealed that discussions are underway about possibly offering incentives for information that could assist in locating the bodies.
Their comments came shortly after Hamas’ military wing claimed it no longer possesses any remains of deceased hostages. “We met our end of the agreement, we released all the living hostages, and what we have as far as deceased hostages. Regarding the rest, we will need great efforts and special tools to find them,” the terror group said in a statement.
Israeli officials have reportedly told the Trump administration that implementation of the Gaza ceasefire cannot move forward unless Hamas intensifies efforts to recover and return the bodies of slain hostages, according to Axios.
Under the agreement’s terms, Hamas must make a “maximum effort” to locate and return the remains of 28 dead hostages, including two Americans. Israeli sources told Axios that Hamas has failed to meet this requirement.
The report said the deal nearly collapsed earlier this week but was salvaged after Hamas delivered five additional bodies in recent days, bringing the total recovered to nine. In response, Israel decided not to scale back humanitarian aid to Gaza and chose to keep the Rafah crossing with Egypt open for now.
