Israel Approves Pilot Zone for International Stabilization Force in Gaza

The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a pilot program to establish a humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, overseen by the International Stabilization Force (ISF) as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's peace initiative. The decision marks a key step in implementing the UN-backed plan for Gaza's stabilization and transition to a Palestinian technocratic administration.

The Decision

• The pilot zone will be in Rafah, a city under Israeli military control, and aims to restore basic resource management under international supervision Source: Infobae/EFE.
• Only Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's ultranationalist National Security Minister, voted against the plan, arguing that Hamas has not disarmed Source: ABC.
• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated the government overcame initial skepticism as a gesture of support for Trump's initiative: "It's an international plan. It may not succeed, but we will not undermine it" Source: ABC.

Reactions

• Nickolay Mladenov, the Peace Council's head for Gaza, welcomed Israel's measures, calling them "a critical element of the agreed framework for stabilizing Gaza, accelerating demilitarization, and transitioning to a temporary Palestinian administration" Source: Infobae/EFE.
• The ISF operates under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and is intended to support the ceasefire and political transition Source: ABC, Infobae/EFE.

Conditions and Challenges

• Hamas insists on complete Israeli withdrawal, a full ceasefire, unrestricted aid, and no external interference before disarming. Last month, Hamas dissolved its wartime governance committee as a goodwill gesture Source: ABC.
• Meanwhile, the Peace Council is preparing a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, led by Palestinian economist Ali Shaath, to take over governance once the ISF deploys Source: ABC.