A Roadmap to Peace in Gaza; The Case for a UN-Mandated Muslim-Majority Peacekeeping Force

A Roadmap to Peace in Gaza; The Case for a UN-Mandated Muslim-Majority Peacekeeping Force

For decades, Gaza has endured relentless cycles of violence, humanitarian crises, and political stalemate. Today, the most urgent priority for the Palestinian people is not only sovereignty or political reform but immediate relief from war and insecurity. Without a ceasefire and a stabilising force on the ground, neither governance nor reconstruction can succeed.

Why a Peacekeeping Force Is Urgent

The current situation has left the people of Gaza exhausted and vulnerable. Civilian infrastructure has been destroyed, hospitals are overwhelmed, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas face severe challenges in exercising effective governance. In such an environment, expecting Palestinians to rapidly form a strong, unified administration is unrealistic. What they need first is breathing space — and that requires security.

A UN-Mandated Force With Muslim Leadership

A viable solution would be the deployment of a peacekeeping force under the formal mandate of the United Nations Security Council. This force should consist primarily of troops from Muslim-majority countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, and others. Such a composition would help build trust among Palestinians, who are understandably sceptical of Western or Israeli forces.

Objectives of the Force

• Immediate ceasefire enforcement

• Protection of civilians and humanitarian corridors

• Facilitation of aid, medical supplies, and reconstruction

• Stabilisation to allow Palestinian institutions to regroup and rebuild

This approach has historical precedents. UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Kosovo, and East Timor successfully de-escalated violence and created conditions for political transition.

Addressing Hamas and Political Realities

The mission’s mandate must be strictly limited to protecting civilians and enforcing the ceasefire, not imposing political change. This would make it more acceptable to all Palestinian factions, including Hamas. Since Hamas’ stated goal is the defence of Palestinian rights and statehood, they should have no objection to a force that protects Palestinians from harm and helps them build the foundations of a future state.

Benefits for All Parties

• For Palestinians: Immediate safety, relief, and space to build governance.

• For Muslim countries: A chance to demonstrate solidarity through an internationally legitimate framework.

• For Israel and the international community: A neutral stabilising mechanism to prevent renewed hostilities without appearing to occupy Gaza.

The Path Forward

This plan requires Security Council approval and a clear, time-bound mandate. The force should operate transparently, with the involvement of Palestinian civil society, and withdraw once a credible Palestinian government is ready to assume security responsibilities.

Only such a framework — internationally legitimate, Muslim-led, and focused on protection rather than politics — can give Gaza’s civilians the respite they so desperately need. Peace must come first; state-building will follow.

By Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.