Lead
Israel has approved the principles of a 20-point plan that paves the way for the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to enter Gaza, marking a significant step in the reconstruction efforts, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. The approval comes as the US-backed Board of Peace, established after the October 2025 ceasefire, continues to advance its plans for the enclave.
Coverage Comparison
The Jerusalem Post, citing official statements, reported that Israel's approval allows the ISF to operate in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with the entry requiring the approval of the prime minister, defense minister, and foreign minister. The report also detailed that the IDF will maintain control over the Yellow Line in Gaza, an area comprising roughly half of the territory, while Hamas is estimated to control 30-40% of Gaza.
Deutsche Welle provided a broader analysis of the ISF's mandate and challenges, emphasizing that the force is not a traditional UN peacekeeping mission. While the UN authorized the force, it will operate outside standard UN command structures, making it one of the most ambitious international projects for Gaza. The outlet quoted expert Gil Murciano, who noted that the mission requires a minimum level of political stability and that the lack of a political framework is a core challenge.
Key Claims
- Israel's approval and plan: As reported by the Jerusalem Post, Israel has approved the principles of the 20-point plan secured by the Trump administration in October 2025. The plan allows for the ISF's entry into Gaza, with the IDF continuing to control the Yellow Line.
- Hamas's control: Both the Jerusalem Post and Deutsche Welle report that Hamas controls an estimated 30-40% of Gaza, with around 2 million civilians living under its rule. The Jerusalem Post described these civilians as "imprisoned" and "trapped" under Hamas.
- ISF composition and mission: Morocco has formally signed its Participating Country Agreement with the ISF, making it the first Arab country to join the force, as reported by both outlets. The ISF also includes Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania, with Jordan and Egypt agreeing to supporting roles only, according to Deutsche Welle. The force is tasked with securing reconstruction, protecting aid deliveries, and training new Palestinian security forces, but it is not a traditional UN peacekeeping mission, operating outside UN command structures.
- Coordination with Israel: The Jerusalem Post reported that the ISF will coordinate with the IDF, and Israel has granted immunity to the force under its "Immunities for International Organizations" law. Israel wants to see Hamas disarmed in Gaza, and the ISF's entry is seen as part of the broader plan to enable reconstruction and a technocratic committee to govern.
- US and Board of Peace: The Board of Peace, established by US President Donald Trump, has been working to bring the ISF to fruition. The Jerusalem Post reported that the US plan secured a ceasefire in October 2025 and that the Trump administration has worked hard to make the peace plan succeed. The Board, inaugurated in January 2026, has continued to engage contributing countries despite other regional conflicts.
Perspectives
Israel and the US-backed Board of Peace: The Jerusalem Post reports from an Israeli perspective, framing the ISF deployment as a crucial step toward reconstruction and security, with Israel maintaining control over key areas and requiring Hamas's disarmament. The Board of Peace is presented as actively working to implement the plan, overcoming hurdles in a complex regional environment.
Deutsche Welle's analytical view: Deutsche Welle offers a European perspective, focusing on the structural and political challenges facing the ISF. It highlights the lack of a political framework, differing views on Gaza's future, and the risk of stalemate, quoting experts to underscore the difficulty of the mission despite its ambitious goals.