Reactivating Diplomacy to Secure International Support for Deploying Peacekeeping Forces in Gaza to Cease Hostilities

August 31, 2025

International Force for Gaza Gains Momentum Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

The prospect of a complete diplomatic failure in Gaza has spurred renewed discussions regarding the deployment of an international military force to the region. This advancement follows Israel‘s extensive military operations within the Gaza strip and the forced displacement of over a million people, compounded by the United Nations’ recent declaration of a formal famine. France and the State of Palestine are leading the charge, seeking both legal avenues and support within the United Nations to facilitate the establishment of a “stabilization” or “protection” force.

Growing International Support for Intervention

Support for an international deployment is reportedly growing,notably in the wake of the famine declaration and the escalating humanitarian crisis. Jaclyn Streitfeld-Hall,Director of Policy and research at the Global Center for the duty to Protect,noted in new York that several nations are exploring potential frameworks for assistance,even though consensus on authorization remains elusive. According to Streitfeld-Hall, three primary routes are under consideration: approval from the Security Council, authorization through the General Assembly via the Uniting for Peace mechanism, or unilateral intervention by individual states or coalitions.

France Takes the Lead in Diplomatic Efforts

France has emerged as the most proactive nation in pursuing this initiative. President Emmanuel Macron stated in August that the Security Council must immediately begin work on establishing a mission wiht a clear mandate. He revealed that French diplomats are collaborating with allies to forge an “international coalition” prepared to deploy a “stabilization mission” to Gaza. Public support has also been voiced by Turkey,Pakistan,and Kuwait,alongside a formal appeal from Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour to the UN for an “intervention force” aimed at halting what he termed a “genocide.”

International Legal Obligations and the Question of Prevention

Diplomatic sources close to the Palestinian mission at the UN emphasize that the request for intervention isn’t a call for war against israel, but rather a plea for the protection of Palestinian civilians, citing existing international obligations, including the prevention of genocide. These obligations were brought to the forefront earlier in 2024 when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) acknowledged a “plausible risk of genocide” in Gaza, issuing precautionary measures to Israel and reminding all 153 signatory nations of the Genocide Convention of their duty to act through diplomatic, economic, or legal channels.

Key Actors	Position
France	Leading diplomatic efforts for an international force.
state of Palestine	Actively seeking UN support for intervention.
United States	Expected to oppose Security Council authorization.
Israel	Formally opposes international intervention.

However, concrete action has been limited, hampered by Israel’s rejection of intervention and reluctance from its allies to impose repercussions for violations of international law. Six resolutions calling for a ceasefire and civilian protection, passed with ample majorities in the General Assembly – including one spearheaded by Spain in June – have been largely ignored.This has prompted renewed consideration of deploying an international force as a last resort.

Potential Pathways to Deployment

The preferred route for both France and Palestine involves securing authorization from the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which permits coercive measures, including military force, to restore international peace. However, this path is significantly obstructed by the almost certain veto from the United States, which has consistently blocked attempts to impose a ceasefire within the Council. Should the Security Council route fail, Palestine intends to pursue the “Uniting for Peace” mechanism within the General Assembly.this mechanism allows the Assembly to recommend collective measures, including the use of force, when the Security Council is paralyzed by a veto.While not legally binding, it has been utilized in past crises, namely in Korea (1950), Suez (1956), and the democratic Republic of Congo during the Cold War.

Did You Know? The Uniting for Peace resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1950, was created as a means to circumvent the veto power held by the permanent members of the Security Council.

“The call by President Macron for a stabilization force is genuinely significant,” sources close to the Palestinian delegation stated. “It indicates a growing conviction among nations that expressions of concern and condemnation are insufficient. if Israel faces no consequences for its actions, the cycle will continue.” France is also preparing to recognize the State of Palestine, a move echoed by the united Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

the Evolving Landscape of international Intervention

The current crisis in Gaza highlights the ongoing challenges in applying international law and norms to contemporary conflicts. While the principle of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) – which asserts the international community’s obligation to intervene in cases of mass atrocities – has gained traction in recent decades, its implementation remains highly contested, constrained by political considerations and the reluctance of powerful states to cede sovereignty. The situation underscores the need for reforms within the UN system to enhance its capacity for rapid and effective responses to humanitarian crises and potential genocides.

Pro Tip: Understanding the ancient context of UN peacekeeping operations and the complexities of international law is crucial for interpreting current events in Gaza and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions: International Force in Gaza

Q: What is the primary objective of deploying an international force to Gaza?

A: The main goal is to protect Palestinian civilians, prevent further escalation of violence, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid amidst a declared famine.

Q: What are the main obstacles to deploying an international force?

A: Key challenges include opposition from Israel and the potential for a veto from the United States in the UN Security Council.

Q: What is the “Uniting for Peace” mechanism?

A: It’s a procedure allowing the UN General Assembly to authorize collective action, including force, when the Security Council is deadlocked due to a veto.

Q: Has an international force been deployed to Gaza before?

A: There has not been a large-scale, sustained international military presence in Gaza, though various monitoring and observer missions have operated in the region.

Q: What is the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in this situation?

A: The ICJ has acknowledged a “plausible risk of genocide” in Gaza and issued precautionary measures to Israel, thereby raising international legal scrutiny.

Q: What are the potential consequences of unilateral intervention?

A: Unilateral action could escalate the conflict, lack international legitimacy, and potentially destabilize the region further.

What role should the international community play in addressing the crisis in Gaza? Do you believe an international force is a viable solution, or are there other approaches that should be prioritized?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

How can diplomatic strategies address Israel’s security concerns to gain their support for a Gaza peacekeeping force?

The Urgent Need for a Multi-National Peacekeeping Force

The escalating conflict in Gaza demands an immediate shift from military operations to a robust,internationally-backed peacekeeping solution.Recent reports, like those from tagesschau.de on August 31, 2025, indicate a continued military advance alongside tentative openness to negotiations, highlighting the precarious situation and the critical window for diplomatic intervention.A sustainable cessation of hostilities requires more than just a ceasefire; it necessitates a secure environment facilitated by a neutral, well-equipped peacekeeping force. This article explores the diplomatic strategies required to garner international support for such a deployment, focusing on key stakeholders and potential obstacles. The terms gaza peacekeeping, international intervention Gaza, and ceasefire negotiations are central to this discussion.

Identifying Key stakeholders & Their Interests

Successfully deploying a peacekeeping force hinges on securing buy-in from a diverse range of actors. Understanding their individual interests is paramount.

Israel: Security concerns remain paramount. Any peacekeeping force must demonstrably address these, including preventing re-armament of Hamas and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens. A phased deployment, linked to verifiable steps towards disarmament, may be acceptable.

Palestinian Authority (PA): The PA’s role is crucial for long-term stability. A peacekeeping force should support the PA in re-establishing governance in Gaza and facilitating humanitarian aid. Their consent and cooperation are non-negotiable.

Regional Powers (Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia): These nations have a vested interest in regional stability. Their involvement – possibly through contributing troops or providing logistical support – is vital. Egypt’s border control experience is notably relevant.

International Community (UN, US, EU, Arab League): The UN Security Council resolution is essential for legitimizing the force. The US, as a major diplomatic and financial power, plays a key role in brokering agreements. The EU can contribute critically important humanitarian and reconstruction aid.

Hamas: While currently a belligerent party, any long-term solution must consider the complex political realities.While direct engagement might potentially be challenging, indirect dialogue through mediators is essential to secure a lasting ceasefire.

Diplomatic Strategies for Building Consensus

Reactivating diplomacy requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on targeted engagement and confidence-building measures.

1. High-Level Mediation: appointing a respected, neutral mediator – potentially a former head of state or a senior UN official – is crucial. This individual should engage in shuttle diplomacy, meeting with all key stakeholders to identify common ground.
2. Security Guarantees: Addressing Israel’s security concerns is paramount. This could involve:

A robust mandate for the peacekeeping force to disarm hamas and prevent the smuggling of weapons.

international monitoring mechanisms to verify compliance.

security cooperation agreements between Israel and contributing nations.

1. Phased Deployment: A gradual deployment of peacekeeping forces,starting with a limited presence focused on monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid,can build trust and demonstrate commitment.
2. Economic Incentives: Offering economic assistance to Gaza, contingent on sustained peace and cooperation, can incentivize all parties to uphold the agreement. Reconstruction efforts, job creation programs, and infrastructure progress are vital.
3. UN Security Council Resolution: Securing a UN Security Council resolution authorizing the peacekeeping force is essential for it’s legitimacy and effectiveness. This requires navigating potential vetoes from permanent members.

Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies

Several obstacles could hinder the deployment of a peacekeeping force.

Lack of Political Will: Securing consensus among key stakeholders will be challenging, given their divergent interests. Persistent diplomatic engagement and a willingness to compromise are essential.

Funding Constraints: Deploying and maintaining a peacekeeping force is expensive. Securing adequate funding from international donors will require a compelling case for the long-term benefits of peace and stability.

Force Composition & Mandate: Disagreements over the composition of the force (e.g., which countries contribute troops) and its mandate (e.g., rules of engagement) could delay deployment. Clear,well-defined parameters are crucial.

hamas Opposition: Resistance from Hamas could jeopardize the ceasefire. Engaging in indirect communication and offering incentives for cooperation are essential.

Logistical Hurdles: Deploying a peacekeeping force to Gaza presents significant logistical challenges, including border access, transportation, and accommodation. Pre-deployment planning and coordination are vital.

Lessons from Past Peacekeeping Operations

Examining past peacekeeping missions can provide valuable insights.

UNIFIL (Lebanon): While facing challenges, UNIFIL demonstrates the potential for a peacekeeping force to maintain stability in a volatile region. Key lessons include the importance of a clear mandate, robust monitoring mechanisms, and strong local support.

MINUSMA (Mali): The difficulties faced by MINUSMA highlight the risks of deploying a peacekeeping force to a conflict zone with weak governance and persistent security threats. This underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both security and political challenges.

**Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-2004