Global coordination on post-war security

An international conference in Doha on December 16, 2025, is set to advance detailed planning for a proposed International Stabilization Force for Gaza, a multinational mission intended to support security and recovery following months of conflict. The meeting, led by the United States Central Command, brings together military officials and diplomats from more than 25 countries. Organizers describe the talks as a technical and political milestone in shaping what could become the largest international security effort in Gaza in decades.

The initiative is linked to a fragile ceasefire that came into effect earlier this year, halting sustained fighting that devastated infrastructure and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. U.S. officials say the stabilization force is designed to help maintain calm, protect humanitarian corridors, and create space for political processes to move forward. The force is not expected to conduct offensive combat operations, a distinction planners say is central to gaining broad international backing.

Delegations attending the Doha meeting are expected to discuss the legal mandate of the force, its command structure, and the conditions required for deployment. One unresolved issue is how the force would coordinate with existing local security arrangements without becoming entangled in internal political rivalries. Diplomats familiar with the talks say these questions are critical to determining whether the mission can operate effectively in Gaza’s complex environment.

Force design and international participation

Planning for deployment and oversight

Military planners say the Doha discussions will focus heavily on practical questions, including troop numbers, logistics, housing, medical support, and intelligence coordination. Several countries have signaled interest in contributing personnel or resources, though final commitments are expected to depend on the outcomes of the meeting. Officials involved in the process say early deployment could begin as soon as January 2026 if political approvals and operational plans are finalized in time.

The United States is expected to play a leading role in organizing the force, though officials stress it would operate as a multinational mission rather than a U.S.-led intervention. One proposal under discussion involves appointing a senior American officer to oversee coordination, while day-to-day operations would rely on contributions from a diverse group of partner nations. Support roles such as engineering, medical services, and reconstruction assistance are expected to feature prominently.

The stabilization force concept follows a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in November 2025, which endorsed the creation of transitional mechanisms to support governance and security in Gaza. Under this framework, an international board would work alongside the force to oversee stabilization efforts, humanitarian access, and the rebuilding of basic services. Supporters argue that international oversight could help reassure donors and regional actors concerned about long-term instability.

Despite broad interest, the initiative faces significant challenges. Critics warn that without clear political agreements on Gaza’s future governance, the force could struggle to define its role or maintain neutrality. Others caution that prolonged deployment could expose foreign troops to security risks if tensions resume. Organizers of the Doha conference say these concerns underscore the importance of careful planning and shared responsibility among participating states.