The Times of Israel revealed on 22/9 a draft initiative titled "International Stability Mission" developed by France. The proposal calls for a multinational force to replace the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip, disarm Hamas, and facilitate elections once the conflict ends.

France has prioritized Middle Eastern countries for participation in the multinational force, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar.

Palestinians evacuate the Jabaliya area of Gaza City on 2/7. Photo: *AP*

This draft builds upon the New York Declaration, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations in July. The declaration urged a two-state solution, the disarmament of Hamas, and the gradual transfer of Gaza's security to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank. The New York Declaration received support from Arab nations, led by Qatar and Egypt, and the UN General Assembly passed a resolution supporting it this month.

According to the July document, supporting parties advocate for a "temporary international mission, at the invitation of the Palestinian Authority," to protect civilians, strengthen Palestinian security forces, and ensure security for both Israel and Palestine by monitoring ceasefires and peace negotiations.

France's "International Stability Mission" defines the scope of the multinational force and aims to develop a UN Security Council resolution. The international force in Gaza could operate as a UN peacekeeping mission or a special political mission, ensuring neutrality and international legitimacy.

The draft argues that a smaller multinational force, directly commanded by a few countries, would be more feasible due to its rapid deployment capability and potential for local acceptance. Funding for the mission is expected to come from voluntary donors, primarily Gulf states.

The draft also mentions the possibility of deploying this force to Gaza before the conflict ends, but emphasizes that the optimal scenario involves a prior ceasefire agreement.

The Gaza Strip and major urban areas. Graphic: *BBC*

France also proposes that the "International Stability Mission" participate in preparing Palestinian elections in Gaza and the West Bank, while coordinating Gaza's reconstruction. In the short term, the force's operations would be limited to the Gaza Strip. However, France cautions against prolonging this arrangement to avoid separating Gaza from the West Bank.

France's permanent mission to the UN has not commented on the "International Stability Mission" draft leaked to Israeli media. However, the draft's contents align with statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron in a CBS interview on 21/9.

In the interview, Macron said he was discussing Paris's ideas with the US and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, but did not disclose the specific name of the document to be submitted. He believes France's plan for recognizing a Palestinian state will help rally Arab countries to "isolate Hamas from the Palestinian people and the entire region, thereby building real security."

"The core of the security plan is to dismantle Hamas. There is no other option if we want to stabilize the situation," Macron stated, emphasizing the need to "deploy an international force to the Gaza Strip, under the mandate of the United Nations, to support and back up the Palestinian police and security forces."

Thanh Danh (*Times of Israel, AFP, CBS*)