ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump declared at the World Economic Forumin Davos that up to 59 countries have expressed interest in joining aproposed multinational security arrangement under his Gaza peace plan, withsome prepared to actively confront Hamas if the group fails to disarm.Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Trump emphasized that participatingnations would deploy forces wherever directed to uphold the agreement,extending the mandate beyond Gaza reconstruction to include enforcementagainst non-state actors. This statement comes amid ongoing implementationof a ceasefire and the formation of the so-called Board of Peace, a US-ledbody overseeing post-conflict stability in the Palestinian territory.
The Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, has invited dozens of countries toparticipate in supervising Gaza’s reconstruction and security phasefollowing the Israel-Hamas conflict. Reports indicate that invitations wereextended to nations including Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Turkey, SaudiArabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, Israel, and several European andAsian states. While some have welcomed the initiative or confirmed receiptof invitations, others have expressed reservations about the board’sbroader ambitions, which appear to position it as an alternative totraditional United Nations mechanisms for conflict resolution.
Trump’s remarks highlighted a potential enforcement mechanism within thepeace framework, asserting that if Hamas does not relinquish its weapons inthe coming days or weeks, it would face swift consequences. He claimed manyof the interested countries “want to come in and take out Hamas,”suggesting a willingness among signatories to contribute troops fordisarmament operations. This rhetoric builds on earlier phases of the peaceplan, which included a ceasefire negotiated last year and commitments todemilitarize militant infrastructure in Gaza.
Analysts note that the proposal echoes elements of the Abraham Accords, thenormalization agreements brokered during Trump’s first term between Israeland several Arab states. Efforts to expand these accords have continued,with recent additions like Kazakhstan, and discussions involving SaudiArabia and others. The current initiative appears to leverage this momentumto create a coalition capable of addressing remaining security threats,including Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has faced disarmament pressures inparallel regional developments.
The mention of Hezbollah alongside Hamas indicates a wider regional scopefor the proposed force. Trump suggested that the multinational coalitionwould engage where necessary to eliminate armed groups undermining peace.This aligns with statements from regional leaders, such as EgyptianPresident Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who has praised progress in stabilizingLebanon and prioritized resolving the Palestinian issue as central toMiddle East stability. However, the inclusion of non-Arab states and theUS-led structure has raised questions about sovereignty and internationallaw compliance.
Critics argue that the Board of Peace’s mandate, initially focused on Gazaunder a UN Security Council framework running until 2027, has expandedambitiously. Draft charters circulating online suggest ambitions for globalconflict resolution, prompting reluctance from some invited nations likeFrance and others in Europe. Only a handful, including Argentina, Hungary,Morocco, and Vietnam, have publicly accepted so far, while others awaitclarifications or parliamentary approvals.
Trump’s assertion of 59 countries reflects optimistic outreach by the USadministration, though official membership lists remain pendingannouncement. The Davos ceremony scheduled for Thursday aims to formalizethe board’s charter, with discussions on funding mechanisms, includingreported billion-dollar contributions for permanent seats. This financialaspect has drawn scrutiny, as it deviates from conventional peacekeepingmodels.
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The peace plan’s second phase emphasizes international security deploymentto ensure Hamas disarmament and enable reconstruction in war-devastatedGaza. US officials have pressured for compliance, with recent sanctionstargeting Hamas-linked entities. Trump warned that non-compliance wouldlead to decisive action, potentially involving coalition forces, to “blowaway” resistant elements swiftly.
Regional dynamics add complexity, with ongoing Lebanese stabilizationefforts targeting Hezbollah’s disarmament and broader Iranian influencereduction following reported US actions. The framework seeks to consolidategains from the ceasefire, positioning participating nations as guarantorsof long-term stability while sidelining groups deemed spoilers.
As Davos proceedings continue, Trump’s statements underscore a shift towardUS-centric multilateralism in Middle East affairs. Whether the proposedforce materializes depends on broader buy-in, amid concerns that coerciveenforcement could escalate tensions rather than foster enduring peace.
Source:https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblogentry/trump-hamas-will-be-blown-away-very-quickly-if-it-doesnt-disarm-very-soon
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