Full Breakdown
U.S. Efforts to Establish a New Police Force in Post-War Gaza
2/13/2026, 11:41:51 PM
Overview of the Situation
In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which ignited a war in Gaza, U.S. security officials developed a plan titled "Gaza Exit Strategy and the Morning After." This proposal, aimed at stabilizing Gaza post-conflict, recommended the establishment of Palestinian and international security forces to prevent Hamas's resurgence and called for a significant shift in Israeli policy regarding the West Bank to facilitate a political solution for a Palestinian state.
Challenges in Training Palestinian Security Forces
Despite the urgency of the situation, the U.S. has faced significant hurdles in training a new Palestinian police force. Initial plans to train officers in Egypt were abandoned due to inadequate facilities. Instead, approximately 700 Palestinian Authority security officers received SWAT training in Jordan, but their skills have since deteriorated due to ongoing conflict and restrictions on live-fire training in the West Bank. A European diplomat noted that around 3,000 officers are needed for Gaza, yet no training agreements have been finalized.
International Involvement and Restrictions
Both Egypt and the European Union have explicitly stated they will not train police officers affiliated with Hamas, which has approximately 10,000 police personnel in Gaza. The EU's training program, EUPOL COPPS, currently operates in the West Bank and may be adapted to include Gaza, but any candidates will be vetted by Israel to ensure they have no ties to Hamas. The EU diplomat emphasized that the deployment of a new police force is contingent on the formation of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which is still under discussion.
The Role of Hamas and Security Vacuum Concerns
Hamas has expressed willingness to transfer security responsibilities to a new police force but insists that its existing officers be integrated into this structure. Senior Hamas official Hossam Badran stated that the current police are integral to the Palestinian security apparatus. However, the absence of a new police force has led to masked militants, likely affiliated with Hamas, filling the security void in Gaza, raising concerns about a potential power vacuum that could allow Hamas or other hostile groups to regain control.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. officials have acknowledged the complexities of establishing a new security framework in Gaza. The 2023 U.S. memo warned that a power vacuum could enable remaining Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces to exploit the situation. Meanwhile, Israel maintains a firm stance against any Hamas involvement in the new police force, viewing all elements of the organization as terrorist entities.
What's Next?
As discussions continue regarding the ISF's composition and deployment, Indonesia has committed to sending thousands of troops, but other nations have yet to finalize their contributions. The timeline for establishing a new police force in Gaza remains uncertain, with the success of these initiatives heavily reliant on U.S. leadership and coordination.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the ceasefire has been officially declared, incidents along the ceasefire line persist, with accusations exchanged between Israel and Hamas regarding violations. The broader implications of the U.S. plan and the future governance of Gaza remain unclear, particularly concerning the role of Hamas and the timeline for the proposed police force's deployment.
