Israel's approval of ISF deployment in Gaza marks key step in reconstuction efforts – analysis

Israel has approved the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, a key step in the US-backed ceasefire and reconstruction efforts. This approval, based on a 20-point plan from October 2025, allows the ISF to enter Gaza while the IDF maintains control over approximately 70% of the territory. The Board of Peace (BoP), established after the ceasefire, welcomed this "very important development in the process to deliver peace, prosperity, and development in Gaza." The ISF's role is critical for scaling humanitarian services, reconstruction, and transitioning to a new governance model under a Palestinian technical committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), with the ultimate goal of disarming Hamas. Countries like Morocco, Kosovo, Albania, and Kazakhstan are expected to contribute personnel. The ISF will coordinate with the IDF and requires approval from Israel's prime minister, defense minister, and foreign minister, with Israel only accepting contributions from countries with established peace or normalized ties. Hurdles remain, including logistics, securing additional international commitments for the ISF, and training Palestinian police, while Israel remains wary of connections between Gaza and the Palestinian Authority.