Ottawa: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that significant progress is being made on drafting a UN resolution for an international stabilization force in Gaza. He emphasized that this force is crucial for securing areas as humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts expand, rather than serving as a combat unit.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio spoke to reporters after a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Canada. He shared that an updated draft of the resolution is being refined with contributions from multiple countries, and Washington is eager to see action on it 'very soon.' Rubio highlighted the importance of executing this resolution correctly, as the US aims to balance the interests of the involved nations. He stressed the need to maintain momentum on this initiative.
The stabilization force is not designed for combat but is necessary for providing basic security in areas not under Israeli control. This security is essential as Hamas is required to disarm under the agreement endorsed by all parties. Rubio explained that for a significant increase in humanitarian assistance and redevelopment in Gaza, especially in areas not controlled by Israel, security is crucial, and it cannot be provided by Hamas.
The long-term objective, as Rubio outlined, is for Gaza to be governed by a credible civilian Palestinian body, rather than Hamas or any foreign power. He expressed a vision of eliminating the divide between Hamas-controlled and non-Hamas areas and establishing a civilian Palestinian organization to govern Gaza. This organization would be supported to build capacity and credibility.
Rubio also pointed out that Israel, the US, and regional countries do not wish to administer the territory, making interim security arrangements vital as Palestinian governance capacity is reestablished.
In addressing concerns beyond Gaza, Rubio touched on a recent increase in settler-related violence in the West Bank. He expressed hope that this unrest will not hinder the broader diplomatic and security efforts in Gaza. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and a regional Israeli army commander have condemned these attacks, which also targeted Israeli troops and police. Rubio acknowledged the potential risk of events in the West Bank affecting efforts in Gaza, though he did not have all the details.