Israel Approves International Force, Initial Reconstruction Project in Gaza

Key Facts

Published: July 26, 2026 Location: Jerusalem Source: The Jerusalem Post, Reuters, Associated Press

• Israel approved the entry of an international stabilization force into designated areas of Gaza.
• A pilot reconstruction project in Rafah would provide temporary housing and basic services for tens of thousands of screened Palestinians.
• Israel says the IDF will maintain its current positions until Hamas is disarmed and Gaza is fully demilitarized.

Rafah pilot program would provide temporary housing and services while Israel maintains security control until Hamas is disarmed

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Israel’s Security Cabinet approved in principle Sunday the deployment of an international stabilization force in parts of the Gaza Strip, clearing the way for an initial reconstruction and humanitarian project in Rafah.

The International Stabilization Force, established under President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, is expected to operate in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces in areas outside Hamas control. Each participating country and deployment would still require separate Israeli approval.

The first stage calls for several hundred international personnel and the construction of temporary housing for tens of thousands of screened Palestinian residents. Morocco is expected to play a leading role, alongside personnel from Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Albania, and other participating nations.

Israel stressed that the IDF will continue holding the so-called Yellow Line and will not withdraw further until Hamas is fully disarmed and Gaza is demilitarized. Israeli officials have also insisted that countries viewed as hostile to Israel, including Turkey and Qatar, must not participate in the security force.

The project will be overseen by Trump’s international Board of Peace and administered locally by Palestinian technocrats. The stabilization force is also expected to train a vetted Palestinian security unit responsible for maintaining public order.

The initiative marks the first significant attempt to begin rebuilding areas outside Hamas control. However, Hamas’ continued refusal to surrender its weapons remains the central obstacle to implementing the broader Gaza peace plan.

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