Planning underway for international force in Gaza, says US adviser
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An Israeli tank manoeuvres in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - The United States is looking to establish a basic stabilisation of Gaza and planning is underway for an international force to go into the Palestinian enclave, said a senior US adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, on Oct 15.
"Right now what we're looking to accomplish is just a basic stabilisation of the situation. The international stabilisation force is starting to be constructed," said the senior US adviser.
Among the countries the US is speaking to about contributing to the force are Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar and Azerbaijan, said a second senior US adviser, also speaking on condition of anonymity.
One of the advisers said that no one would force any Gazans to leave the Palestinian enclave.
"What we've said very clearly is that aid is going in, but no rebuilding money will go into areas that Hamas controls," the first adviser said. "We're looking at starting to rebuild in areas that right now are Hamas-free, terror-free zones." REUTERS
