Washington asks UN for two-year mandate for international force in Gaza

The United States launches UN Security Council negotiations on a resolution to support President Donald Trump's peace plan for the Gaza Strip. According to US officials, the draft text has broad support from the region, including Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The resolution would give the International Security Force (ISF) a two-year mandate to stabilise Gaza and disarm Hamas. The text also mentions the authority to "take all necessary measures" - which includes the use of force.

Trump says the troops will be deployed soon; Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in turn, says countries ready to send troops need UN approval.

The number of troops could reach up to 20 thousand. The US, however, refuses to deploy its own troops.

Countries such as Indonesia, Egypt and Azerbaijan are also involved in the discussions. Israel will not accept Turkish forces.

(reuters, swag)