Arab and Muslim nations that might contribute to a peacekeeping force in Gaza are reportedly reluctant to do so because of the fear of confronting Hamas and the concern their troops would be seen as occupiers.
According to the The New York Times, while these nations broadly support Donald Trump’s 20‑point Gaza cease‑fire plan, little action has followed in creating the international force intended to take over security from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Diplomats report that prospective troop‑contributing countries are uneasy about placing soldiers at risk of direct combat with Hamas while the group remains armed. Their primary concern is that their forces could be called on to fight militants on behalf of Israel — a scenario several officials said would be enough by itself to withdraw. Some nations also privately insist on keeping their troops out of Gaza’s city centres, citing danger from Hamas tunnel networks and urban warfare.
Israeli officials have expressed frustration at these hesitations. A former Israeli diplomat asked, “The hypocrites of the world are afraid of Hamas, and they are supposed to be guarding us?” Meanwhile, President Trump’s plan calls for Hamas to disarm — a condition the group has not accepted despite releasing all remaining living Israeli hostages and about half of the dead ones. Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking during a visit to Israel, warned that if Hamas failed to disarm under the deal, it would be “obliterated.”
Several regional powers have also expressed concern about the political fallout at home if their soldiers are perceived as siding with Israel or enforcing Western-backed mandates.
Public opinion in countries like Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey remains deeply hostile toward Israel, making any visible cooperation politically risky. Officials fear images of their troops clashing with Palestinians — even if they are Hamas fighters — could spark unrest or weaken government stability.
