Ensuring Security in Gaza: A Governance Conundrum

The security vacuum in Gaza, a region scarced by years of conflict, has become a focal point for international actors and regional powers.

As the war between Israel and Hamas enters its third year, the question of who will police Gaza and how to establish sustainable governance remains unresolved.

This article examines the multifaceted challenges of securing Gaza, the competing interests of global stakeholders, and the precarious balance between stability, sovereignty, and international oversight.

The U.S. Exit Strategy and the Trump-Backed Board of Peace

In the aftermath of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, U.S. officials drafted a ‘Gaza Exit Strategy‘ in 2023, advocating for immediate Palestinian and international security forces to prevent Hamas resurgence.

However, the Trump administration has delayed implementing this plan, instead prioritizing a ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ endorsed by the UN Security Council in 2025.

Central to this plan is the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of <strong>Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, tasked with rebuilding civil institutions and ensuring governance capacity.

The plan also includes the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational security force intended to secure Gaza’s borders, facilitate the Israeli military’s withdrawal, and support demilitarization.

However, the ISF faces significant hurdles, including lack of full consent from all parties and concerns over Hamas’ influence.

As of early 2026, no deployments have occurred, and the force remains in the planning stages.

Failed U.S. Security Training Efforts

The U.S. has attempted to build Palestinian security capacity since 2023, but these efforts have faced significant obstacles.

In 2024, U.S. officials proposed training thousands of Palestinians in Jordan and Egypt, but plans were scrapped due to logistical challenges.

A 2025 initiative to train Palestinian Authority security forces in digital policing and cyberdefense was also shelved due to fears of abuse by the Palestinian Authority.

Despite these setbacks, the Trump administration has revived the cyberdefense proposal, aiming to equip Palestinians with tools to protect critical infrastructure.

International Stabilization and Regional Dynamics

The international community has pledged support for Gaza’s stabilization, with Arab nations, the EU, and countries like Indonesia committing resources for reconstruction.

However, Israel’s Prime Minister has objected to the participation of some countries, including Qatar and Turkey, citing security concerns.

This regional fragmentation complicates efforts to establish a unified security framework.

The Governance Challenge: Balancing Security, Sovereignty, and Stability

The governance of Gaza is a complex interplay of competing priorities.

On one hand, the international community seeks to establish a security force that can prevent violence and ensure stability.

On the other hand, Palestinian leaders and Hamas demand sovereignty over security matters, fearing external interference.

This tension is exacerbated by the presence of armed groups within Gaza, which continue to challenge the legitimacy of any new security apparatus.

The U.S. and its allies face a difficult balancing act: ensuring that the new security force is effective and impartial while respecting Palestinian autonomy.

The success of this endeavor will depend on the ability of international actors to navigate these competing interests and build a sustainable governance model.

Critical Challenges in Force Development

A new Palestinian police force, aimed at replacing Hamas as the primary security actor, is in its early recruitment phase.

Over 2,000 applications were received within hours of the process launching on February 19-20, 2026.

The force seeks to deploy 5,000 officers aged 18-35, with no criminal record and good physical fitness.

Recruitment is merit-based, excluding Hamas members or affiliates, and involves rigorous vetting coordinated by the U.S. and Israel to prevent infiltration.

Hamas has resisted integration into this new force, demanding that its existing police officers be absorbed into the force.

The group also opposes international oversight, viewing it as a threat to its autonomy.

Additionally, the European Union has expressed opposition to including Gaza clans with criminal records in the police force, citing concerns over their past activities.

These challenges highlight the difficulty of building a credible security apparatus in a region marked by deep political divisions.

Conclusion

The path to security in Gaza is fraught with challenges, from the legacy of failed U.S. initiatives to the entrenched positions of Hamas and the Israeli government.

The Trump-backed Comprehensive Plan represents a significant shift in approach, but its success will hinge on the ability to reconcile security, sovereignty, and international oversight.

As the international community continues to grapple with these complexities, the fate of Gaza’s security remains uncertain, with profound implications for the region’s future.