Reaction in Gaza to UN resolution ‘overwhelmingly sceptical’
The reaction in Gaza to this UN resolution is overwhelmingly sceptical and in many cases deeply negative.
For people here, the idea of an international stabilisation force is not viewed as a guarantee of protection but rather a foreign security arrangement imposed without their consent.
Many Palestinians feel its presence might place further restrictions and controls on them, which is seen as an extension of the occupation. We have also heard concerns about the mandate that has been assigned, regarding policing, security arrangements, border security and the demilitarisation process.
People believe that in this phase of the ceasefire deal, there is a stark preference for security arrangements rather than conducting a comprehensive alleviation of the humanitarian crisis across the Strip.
A question that has been echoing among Palestinians in Gaza is whether this force will afford them protection and prevent Israel from continuing its air strikes across the Strip.
‘I completely reject this decision’: Palestinians react to UN resolution
Al Jazeera has spoken to Palestinians in Gaza City about the UN Security Council’s endorsement of Trump’s plan for the enclave.
“I completely reject this decision,” said Moamen Abdul-Malek. “Our people … are able to rule ourselves. We don’t need forces from Arab or foreign countries to rule us. We are the people of this country, and we will bear responsibility for it.”
Mohammed Hamdan said the plan, which would see the establishment and deployment of an international stabilisation force to demilitarise the territory, was not in the interests of Palestinians. “It would strip the resistance of its weapons, despite the fact that resistance is a legitimate right of peoples under occupation.”
Sanaa Mahmoud Kaheel said Palestinians rejected the decision, which would bring uncertainty to Gaza. “They initially said the Palestinian Authority would take control of the Gaza Strip, and we were enthusiastic about that. But things will be unclear with the international forces, and we do not know what might happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow with them being in Gaza,” she said.
“This could help Trump tighten his grip on Gaza and work towards establishing a ‘riviera’ there, as he himself said before. Nothing is guaranteed.”
