Gaza, “Arab military force”. Israel’s latest idea to avoid famine –

Create a multinational military force with troops from Arab countries to ensure order and escort humanitarian aid convoys to the Gaza Strip. That’s the proposal made by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during his visit to Washington this week, two senior Israeli officials told Axios. According to the portal, the proposal arises from Israel’s need to reduce pressure on the issue of aid to Gaza, which according to the United Nations is on the brink of famine. Israeli officials also believe a multinational force might help establish an alternative to Hamas rule in the enclave. The plan calls for the Arab force to remain in Gaza for a limited transition period and to be responsible for securing the temporary pier that the United States will build off the coast and for escorting humanitarian convoys so that aid reaches the population without the risk that they might be looted by Hamas.

Gallant asked for political and material support from the United States for this initiative in meetings with the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. Israeli military and defense officials have discussed the issue in recent weeks with representatives of three Arab countries, including Egypt, according to Axios. “There is progress in promoting this initiative both in terms of the Biden Administration’s willingness to discuss it and in terms of the openness of Arab countries,” an Israeli source said.

According to an Arab official, however, Arab countries are not yet ready to send troops to protect humanitarian convoys, but may consider sending troops for a post-war peacekeeping force. Even then, the man pointed out, the force would have to be under the command of the United States.