Egypt Training Palestinians for Future Gaza Police Force

Egypt is currently conducting training sessions for hundreds of Palestinian police officers with the goal of incorporating them into a future security force in Gaza after the war, as revealed by a Palestinian official to AFP. The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, disclosed the plan to train 5,000 officers for Gaza during discussions with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in August. The first round of training involved over 500 officers in Cairo, followed by ongoing courses welcoming hundreds more participants since September. All the personnel for the force will be selected from Gaza, with remuneration provided by the Palestinian Authority located in Ramallah, West Bank. A 26-year-old Palestinian police officer expressed satisfaction with the training, emphasizing the desire for peace and the opportunity to contribute to the nation and people. The officer also articulated hopes for the security force to prioritize loyalty solely to Palestine while avoiding external influences. Another officer, a Palestinian lieutenant, praised the operational training provided in the courses and the modern surveillance equipment for border control purposes. The lieutenant, who relocated from Gaza with his family last year, highlighted the training’s focus on the aftermath of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that instigated the conflict and its detrimental impact on the Palestinian cause. With the attack resulting in significant casualties and damage, the training sought to prepare officers for effective responses and strategic planning in similar situations. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was underlined in the training sessions as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian population, emphasizing the collective aspiration for a sovereign and independent state. The alignment of various Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, on the need for a comprehensive security strategy was reaffirmed during discussions facilitated by Egypt. A joint agreement concluded training for a police force of around 10,000 officers, half of whom will receive training from Egypt. The remaining officers are set to be recruited from the existing Gaza police force, currently managed by Hamas. The supervisory committee overseeing the security force will comprise approved technocrats representing the Palestinian factions. A senior official from Hamas confirmed support for the security arrangements, acknowledging the necessity of effective management and governance in Gaza post-conflict. The inclusion of security provisions in the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump and endorsed by the UN Security Council further solidified the commitments to establishing a robust security apparatus in Gaza. The plan’s stipulation for an international force to secure borders and demilitarize Gaza showcased a multilateral approach to peacekeeping efforts. Additionally, the European Union expressed interest in training up to 3,000 Palestinian police officers in Gaza, mirroring a successful mission in the West Bank. However, unresolved issues, such as disarmament and operational frameworks, pose challenges to the effective implementation of the security plan. As discussions continue on the future security architecture of Gaza, the involvement of diverse stakeholders, including Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and international partners, remains crucial for sustainable peace and stability in the region.