ON THE PROPOSED DEPLOYMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL FORCE IN GAZA

MAPIM STATEMENT

ON THE PROPOSED DEPLOYMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL FORCE IN GAZA

25 October 2025 | Kuala Lumpur

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM) expresses grave concern over the recent statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposing the rapid deployment of an international “stabilisation force” into Gaza following the Trump-brokered ceasefire.

1 . A False Premise of “Peacekeeping”

MAPIM rejects any plan for foreign military deployment in Gaza under the direction or influence of the United States or Israel.
Labeling such a force as “international” or “stabilisation” does not conceal its true intent – to consolidate Israeli control and neutralize the legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people.

True peacekeeping cannot coexist with occupation, siege, and denial of sovereignty. Gaza does not need foreign troops to “monitor” its freedom; it needs an end to blockade, full reconstruction, and recognition of Palestinian self-determination.

2. Gaza’s Future Must Be Decided by Palestinians

MAPIM asserts that no external force – especially one approved or vetoed by Israel – can claim legitimacy in Gaza.
The insistence that Israel “must be comfortable” with the composition of the force exposes the hypocrisy of the proposal.
If the occupying power holds veto rights over who enters Gaza, this is not peacekeeping – it is occupation by another name.

Palestinians are capable of securing their own homeland once they are freed from the strangulation of Israel’s control over borders, airspace, and aid.

3. The Exclusion of Muslim Nations Reveals Bias

Reports that Israel has rejected Turkey’s participation and that the United States intends to sideline the United Nations and UNRWA show that this initiative lacks neutrality and inclusiveness.
MAPIM insists that any genuine peace or rebuilding mission in Gaza must include Muslim-majority countries, neutral humanitarian agencies, and the consent of the Palestinian leadership – not the dictates of Tel Aviv or Washington.

The deliberate sidelining of Turkey, Indonesia, and other Muslim nations betrays the same colonial mindset that created the crisis in the first place.

4. Reconstruction, Not Militarisation

After two years of relentless war, what Gaza needs is massive humanitarian assistance, medical support, and reconstruction – not another layer of military occupation disguised as peacekeeping.
The international community must instead establish:

A UN-led humanitarian protection corridor, not a U.S.-controlled force.

A Palestinian-administered reconstruction authority, supported by neutral states.

Legal accountability for war crimes and genocidal acts committed by Israel.

5. MAPIM’s Call to Muslim and Global Civil Society

MAPIM urges:

■ The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League to immediately reject any unilateral U.S. plan to militarise Gaza’s peace.

■ Malaysia and ASEAN states to stand with the Palestinian people’s right to self-governance.

■ Global humanitarian and civil movements to expose and resist any attempt to turn Gaza into an international protectorate under U.S.-Israeli design.

Conclusion

The so-called international Gaza force is not a peace mission – it is a continuation of occupation under a different flag.
Peace will only come when justice is restored, the blockade is lifted, and Palestinians control their own destiny.

MAPIM stands firmly with the people of Gaza and rejects all foreign schemes that compromise their sovereignty and struggle for liberation.

Released by:

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President
Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM)
Kuala Lumpur, 24 October 2025