---
title: "Planning under way for international force in Gaza, say US advisers"
description: "WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Planning has begun for an international force to go into Gaza to stabilise security in the Palestinian enclave, two senior US advisers said on Wednesday."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-10-16-planning-under-way-for-international-force-in-gaza-say-us-advisers/"
published: "2025-10-16T04:45:45"
updated: "2025-10-16T04:45:46"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 334
---

# Planning under way for international force in Gaza, say US advisers

> WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Planning has begun for an international force to go into Gaza to stabilise security in the Palestinian enclave, two senior US advisers said on Wednesday.

By Reuters · Published 16 October 2025, 06:45 SAST · Updated 16 October 2025, 06:45 SAST

## Key points
- In a bid to stabilize the Gaza situation without stepping foot in the fray, the U.S. is assembling a motley crew of international partners and sending a mere 200 troops to play the role of distant referees while tensions between Israeli forces and Hamas continue to simmer like a pot left on the stove.
- The U.S. plans to send up to 200 troops to support a stabilization force in Gaza, without direct deployment in the region.
- High tensions persist between Israeli forces and Hamas, prompting discussions for civilian safe zones.
- No Gazans will be forcibly relocated; rebuilding efforts will focus on areas free from Hamas influence.
- Recovery of Israeli hostages' remains is expected to be prolonged due to rubble and unexploded ordnance.

## Content

By Steve Holland and Costas Pitas

One of the top requirements of President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza plan was formation of a U.S.-backed stabilization force. The United States has agreed to provide up to 200 troops to support the force without being deployed in Gaza itself.

The two senior advisers, in a briefing for reporters, said tensions remain high between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in the enclave.

"Right now what we're looking to accomplish is just a basic stabilization of the situation. The international stabilization force is starting to be constructed," one adviser said.

Among the countries the U.S. is speaking to about contributing to the force are Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar and Azerbaijan, said the adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The advisers said there were up to two dozen U.S. troops in the region to help set up the operation, serving in a "coordination, oversight" role.

"The goal is to use all the different local partners who want to help and be involved," the adviser said.

After Hamas killed seven men in Gaza City it accused of collaborating with Israel, the advisers said there were discussions to establish safe zones for civilians to prevent such incidents.

The second adviser said that no Gazans would be forced to leave the battered Palestinian enclave. Officials are looking at rebuilding in areas that are free of Hamas militants.

Trump has said he would like to see the enclave rebuilt and has pledges of investment from various international partners, but that this effort will take time.

The advisers also said patience was needed for the recovery of dead Israeli hostages, saying it will take longer than expected because their remains are buried under rubble and unexploded ordnance.

They said there are discussions about offering rewards for information leading to the discovery of remains.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Costas Pitas; Writing by Michelle Nichols and Steve Holland; Editing by Chris Reese, Nia Williams and Deepa Babington)