Hostage Release Expected Monday as International Focus Shifts to Gaza Stabilization
CAIRO – Israel anticipates the handover of 20 hostages held by Hamas to the Red Cross ”early Monday morning,” officials stated, while remaining prepared to receive them at any time. The expected release comes amid ongoing international discussions regarding a future stabilization force for gaza and the rebuilding of Palestinian security capabilities.
French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking Sunday on the eve of a peace summit in Egypt, underscored the European Union’s willingness to increase its presence in Gaza following a lasting ceasefire. He highlighted existing EU missions - Eubam, a surveillance operation at the Rafah border crossing involving French gendarmes, and Eupol Copps, which supports the training of Palestinian police officers – as foundational to future efforts.
“Europe is already present through two missions,” Barrot stated, adding that the Rafah border post mission “will play a very important role for the crossing points.”
Crucially,Barrot emphasized that the planned international stabilization force is intended to be transitional and will not assume full security responsibility. “It is indeed obviously Palestinian police officers who will do it, we still need to train them,” he explained. He reiterated the necessity of “a clear mandate from the United Nations” for the force, stating that securing this mandate is “on the menu for the next few days.”
Several nations have expressed interest in contributing to the international force, including Indonesia and Turkey. France is currently evaluating whether to supplement its support for palestinian police training and equipment with the deployment of ground troops.
The focus on bolstering Palestinian security forces reflects a broader strategy of empowering local authorities to maintain order in Gaza following the anticipated withdrawal of both Hamas and the Israeli army. This long-term approach aims to establish a sustainable security environment and facilitate the eventual rebuilding of the region.
