Trump says Gaza ‘stabilisation force’ will deploy ‘very soon’ amid ongoing Israeli strikes

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that an international stabilisation force led by the United States would be deployed to Gaza “very soon,” as part of what he called a post-war plan for the besieged enclave, even as Israel continues to bomb the territory in violation of the ceasefire.

“It’s going to be very soon. And Gaza is working out very well,” Trump said, claiming that “very powerful countries” had volunteered to intervene if any new conflict erupts with Hamas, which has yet to agree to disarm.

The force, expected to number around 20,000 troops, would be authorised by the UN Security Council under a two-year mandate to protect civilians, secure Gaza’s borders, and train Palestinian police, according to a draft resolution seen by Reuters. The proposal reportedly allows the use of “all necessary measures,” effectively granting the force permission to use military power if required.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the mission must have “full international legitimacy” to support Gaza’s civilian population. Diplomats told Reuters that Washington had circulated the draft to Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, all of which played roles in negotiating October’s fragile ceasefire.

Turkiye has spearheaded regional coordination on the plan, hosting foreign ministers from Muslim-majority countries this week and pressing Israel to stop its “genocidal war.” But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any Turkish role in Gaza, insisting Israel will “retain security responsibility for the foreseeable future.”

The US Central Command has said no American troops will be deployed directly to Gaza, though the operation would rely on US logistical, intelligence, and air support.