Security preparations in Gaza have entered an advanced stage with the imminent deployment of the first batch of Palestinian security forces into the Gaza Strip, supported by Egypt and Europe, informed sources reported,
These forces have been trained in Egypt and Jordan.
The sources added that the deployment comes as part of arrangements between Cairo, several Arab capitals and international partners, aimed at upholding the ceasefire.
This will be carried out according to a framework being finalized in coordination with the European Union Police Mission in the West Bank, which is expected to play a leading role in maintaining security and coordinating the training and security transition.
According to the sources, Cairo is open to participating in discussions with Washington, international and regional parties regarding the deployment of field forces in Gaza and the disarming of Hamas.
Agreement on some points regarding these issues was reached by the resistance factions in previous meetings held in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh.
The sources added that Cairo is also open to discussing Area D within the Palestinian territories bordering Egypt, as stipulated in the Egyptian-Israeli peace agreement, and towards expanding cooperation with the Europeans to expedite the transition to the second phase of the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement.
The sources emphasized that the presence of European police in Gaza will not be a substitute for the anticipated international stabilization mission, but rather will be part of partnerships and understandings aimed at preparing Palestinians to assume security responsibilities, facilitating a complete Israeli withdrawal, and restoring the situation to what it was before the war.
Training underway
According to the sources, a total of 9,000 Palestinian police officers are currently being trained to assume security duties in Gaza Strip in coordination with the international force.
Of these, 3,000 have already received training in Egypt, another 3,000 are currently training in Jordan, and the third batch of 3,000 will be trained by the European Union, which is holding a meeting in Brussels for this purpose.
Sources indicated that the personnel currently undergoing training include members of the Palestinian General Intelligence Service, the National Security Forces, the Preventive Security Service, and the Civil Police.
They added that the training programs will expand in the coming phase, paving the way for the establishment of a Palestinian security apparatus capable of managing the Gaza Strip and ensuring security and stability, within post-war arrangements and under international and regional supervision.
The sources added that the Gaza administration committee is currently being selected from a list of 40 names, some of which have been agreed upon by Palestinian factions, Cairo, Washington, and Israel.
They indicated that Arab capitals are intensifying their contact with the Palestinian Authority, urging them to announce the committee’s final composition soon.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
