Feb 19 โ€ข 10:00 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง UK Guardian

Trump officials plan to build 5,000-person military base in Gaza, files show

The Trump administration has revealed plans for a large military base in Gaza intended for an International Stabilization Force.

Newly uncovered documents indicate that the Trump administration intends to construct a military base in Gaza that can accommodate 5,000 personnel. This base, which will span over 350 acres, is designed to serve as an operational hub for a proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational military initiative aimed at stabilizing the region. This initiative represents a shift in governance within Gaza, with the Board of Peace, chaired by Donald Trump and partially led by Jared Kushner, overseeing its implementation.

The base's layout, as outlined in the plans, encompasses a phased construction process featuring a sizeable military outpost measuring approximately 1,400 meters by 1,100 meters. It will be equipped with a range of fortifications, including 26 armored watch towers, bunkers, a small arms range, and a dedicated warehouse for military supplies. Furthermore, the entire perimeter of the base will be secured with barbed wire, indicating a serious commitment to establishing a robust military presence in the area. The choice of location, in the arid regions of southern Gaza, also suggests logistical considerations for the intended military operations.

This development raises significant questions about the future of Gaza and Israel-Palestine relations. The establishment of a military base under the auspices of a new governance board may exacerbate tensions in a region already fraught with conflict. Critics are likely to contend that this move signifies increased military intervention and potential occupation, while proponents may argue it is necessary for establishing peace and stability. The international response to these plans will be crucial in determining how they unfold and the ramifications for the local populace and broader regional dynamics.

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