JERUSALEM, Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved the limited entry of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) into the Gaza Strip as part of a pilot humanitarian initiative backed by the Board of Peace, marking a significant step in international efforts to stabilize the war-torn enclave.
According to an Israeli official quoted by The Times of Israel, the decision authorizes the initial deployment of ISF personnel along the borders of a planned humanitarian zone in southern Gaza. The move is part of a broader U.S.-backed initiative designed to improve humanitarian conditions while laying the groundwork for a future political transition.
The proposal received cabinet approval despite opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar voted in favor. Israeli officials have not announced a timeline for the deployment.
Pilot Humanitarian Zone Planned in Rafah
Under the Board of Peace proposal, a pilot humanitarian zone will be established in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from the designated zone and be replaced by members of the International Stabilization Force.
The plan also envisions allowing an initial group of security-vetted Palestinian civilians to relocate from Hamas-controlled areas into the humanitarian zone under international supervision.
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Part of Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Framework
The initiative forms part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point framework for Gaza, which aims to stabilize the territory through demilitarization, humanitarian assistance, and the creation of a transitional Palestinian administration.
However, implementation has faced significant obstacles, as Hamas has so far rejected demands to disarm, one of the central elements of the proposed framework.
High-Level Talks with Netanyahu
Last week, Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s High Representative for Gaza, and Aryeh Lightstone, a special adviser to the Board, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the humanitarian pilot project.
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According to Board officials, Netanyahu responded positively to the proposal, encouraging further discussions on implementation.
Additional Measures Under Discussion
Israeli officials also considered several related proposals, including:
- Relaxing restrictions on selected humanitarian “dual-use” goods entering Gaza.
- Approving agreements allowing troops from ISF-contributing countries to enter the territory.
- Supporting the vetting and deployment of a new Palestinian police force under the broader stabilization plan.
Diplomatic sources acknowledged that political sensitivities ahead of Israeli elections have slowed implementation, particularly because members of Netanyahu’s coalition remain reluctant to begin large-scale reconstruction while Hamas continues to retain military capabilities in parts of Gaza.
Despite those challenges, Board of Peace officials said cooperation with Israeli authorities has been constructive and expressed confidence that the necessary approvals now in place will allow gradual progress toward launching the humanitarian pilot project.
