Gaza(The COW News Digital)Ahead of the upcoming Gaza Peace Board meeting, the Palestinian resistance group Hamas has issued clear conditions regarding the potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force. The organization emphasized that any foreign presence must strictly avoid interference in Palestine’s internal, political, or security affairs.
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Hamas spokesperson Basim Naim warned that any intrusion by foreign personnel into domestic matters would be perceived by Palestinians as a replacement for occupying forces rather than a neutral peacekeeping effort. “The role of any international force should be limited to maintaining a buffer between the parties and ensuring the ceasefire holds,” Naim stated. He stressed that the integrity of Palestinian governance and internal decision-making must remain fully under local control.
The statement comes as regional and global stakeholders prepare for the Board of Peace meeting scheduled for February 19. The agenda includes discussions on the establishment of a transitional Palestinian government, Hamas’s role in governance, and measures to ensure a permanent ceasefire. The potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force will also be discussed during the session.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the meeting. According to officials, Islamabad supports the idea of a neutral international force, provided it operates solely as a protective buffer between the conflicting parties without interfering in local affairs. This aligns with Hamas’s recently articulated stance.
Analysts say Hamas’s position reflects long-standing concerns among Palestinians over foreign intervention. While the idea of international peacekeepers aims to stabilize the region and prevent further escalation, local groups insist that their sovereignty and political autonomy be respected. Experts believe that striking a balance between security guarantees and non-interference will be crucial for the success of the peace talks.
The upcoming meeting is expected to attract significant international attention, with discussions likely to shape the immediate future of the Gaza Strip. Both Hamas and the transitional authorities will need to negotiate the terms under which any foreign forces can operate, ensuring that their presence contributes to stability without undermining Palestinian self-determination.
The outcome of the meeting could influence regional diplomatic efforts and set a precedent for international involvement in other conflict zones where sovereignty concerns are paramount.
