A day after Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan was approved by the UN Security Council, Jean-Noël Barrot spoke about the deployment of an international stabilization force.
“This will serve to restore security in Gaza, at a time when Hamas must be disarmed. We call for this disarmament,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs explained this Tuesday in Télématin.
On Monday, the UN Security Council approved Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The text “authorizes” the creation of an “international stabilization force” (ISF) responsible in particular for supporting border security in cooperation with Israel and Egypt, demilitarization of Gaza, disarmament of “non-state armed groups”, protection of civilians and training of Palestinian police forces.
“Gradual” implementation.
The minister explained that this international force would be formed “in stages”, “with the contribution of a number of countries that would contribute”. Regarding whether French troops would take part, he replied that France was “already present on the ground”.
“We are already present at the coordination center which is now based in Israel, with around 300 civilian and military personnel. These soldiers and diplomats are present on site to participate in the implementation of this plan, in all aspects,” he added.
Wanting to “strengthen” France’s presence in European missions, Jean-Noël Barrot explained that an evaluation of this participation is underway.
“I want to emphasize that the European Union is already present in Gaza and the West Bank with two missions: securing the crossing point in Rafah and training Palestinian police officers in the West Bank,” he added.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday welcomed the UN Security Council vote and called for rapid implementation on the ground. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also welcomed the peace plan: “We are confident that this plan will bring peace and prosperity as they demand complete demilitarization, disarmament and de-radicalization of Gaza.”
