Hamas has strongly opposed plans to deploy international troops to the Gaza Strip, following the approval of a U.S.-backed resolution by members of the United Nations Security Council. The resolution calls for the deployment of an international force tasked with disarming Hamas and stabilizing the region.
According to the resolution, the mandate of the proposed international forces would include ensuring Gaza is demilitarized, halting the possession and use of heavy weapons, dismantling military infrastructure, and training Palestinian police forces to maintain security across the Strip.
In a formal statement, Hamas emphasized that it would not accept the introduction of foreign military forces into Gaza. The group described the plan as an attempt to replace Israel’s military presence in the territory with international monitors, which Hamas categorically rejects.
“The resolution imposes an international protection mechanism in the Gaza Strip, which our people and groups reject,” the statement said.
It further asserted that the deployment of international forces to perform internal operations, including disarming resistance groups, compromises their neutrality. “It effectively turns them into agents supporting Israel’s occupation,” Hamas added.
The statement stressed that if an international force is deployed, its presence should be limited strictly to Gaza’s borders, to separate opposing forces and monitor ceasefire agreements, under full supervision by the United Nations.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz commented on the matter via Twitter, stating that Hamas’ rejection confirms that the United States is pursuing the correct course.
Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, warned that the resolution could trigger a new conflict. He explained that Russia abstained from voting because Washington’s approach does not reflect neutrality.
The White House had earlier cautioned that resistance from Palestinian armed groups to the resolution could lead Israel to resume military action in Gaza.
The Security Council vote concluded with 13 of the 15 members approving the resolution. Russia and China abstained, while no member voted against it. Concerns had arisen over the potential for Russia to use its veto power, which could have nullified the resolution entirely.
Speaking to the media in New York, the U.S. ambassador emphasized that a rejection of the resolution could result in renewed hostilities in Gaza.
China’s UN Ambassador, Fu Cong, explained that his country abstained because the resolution failed to explicitly recognize the fundamental principle of Palestinian sovereignty. “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, not any other party,” he said, stressing that the resolution does not provide a clear and effective role for the UN or the Security Council in Gaza.
Hamas perceives the international force proposal as an attempt to perform what Israel has failed to achieve: suppressing Gaza’s resistance. The group maintains that the international forces are being positioned to enforce objectives aligned with Israel’s interests, rather than ensuring impartial peace and security.