Jordan’s King Advocates International Peacekeeping Forces in Gaza

International forces intended for Gaza, as per US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan, will likely focus on peacekeeping rather than peace enforcement, according to Jordan’s King Abdullah in an interview with the BBC. Abdullah expressed concerns over the mandate of security forces in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of peacekeeping. He mentioned that Jordan would not send troops due to its political proximity to the conflict, advocating instead for international troops to assist local Palestinian police trained by Jordan and Egypt. The king stressed the significance of supporting local authorities in maintaining peace. Hamas, however, remains adamant about disarming, with a senior leader stating disarmament would only occur if occupation ceases. Jordan’s Communications Minister reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to humanitarian aid in Gaza, emphasizing support for Palestinian statehood. Efforts to alleviate Palestinian suffering continue, with Jordan participating in aid delivery missions. Queen Rania, in a separate interview, commended Trump for pressuring Israel into a ceasefire agreement, a departure from past responses. Abdullah expressed optimism that countries like Qatar and Egypt, close to Hamas, believe in its compliance with disarmament, highlighting the necessity of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for regional stability.