Why Gulf states want to send peacekeepers to Gaza Strip

For over nine months, oil-rich monarchies in the Gulf have deftly manoeuvred to avoid becoming entangled in Israel’s war on Gaza, and the spillover conflicts it has spawned across the region.

Now, some Gulf states appear to be inching closer to entering the conflict’s forefront by participating in a US-backed peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip when the war ends.

Last week, for the second time in a month, the United Arab Emirates called for a multinational force to deploy to Gaza to provide security after a permanent ceasefire is brokered. The decision represents a remarkable about-face for the UAE, which in May pushed back forcefully against Israel’s claim that it could assist in governing the enclave.

Bahrain, an arch-opponent of Iran, has also signalled privately it will participate in the force, which is likely to see officers and senior non-commissioned officers who are Gulf nationals working on the ground with Palestinian security forces, a US official told Middle East Eye.

Reas more: Why Gulf states want to send peacekeepers to Gaza Strip