Over 2,000 Gazans Apply for New Police Force as Post-War Stability Plan Begins

Over 2,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have applied to join a newly formed police force within just hours of the recruitment window opening. The initiative is overseen by the U.S.-backed National Committee for Gaza Management and coincides with major diplomatic talks in Washington.

The recruitment drive was highlighted by Nickolay Mladenov, the U.S.-appointed coordinator for Gaza’s post-war transition under the Trump administration. Speaking during the inaugural "Peace Council" meeting in Washington, which includes delegations from over 40 countries, Mladenov confirmed the high turnout as a positive indicator of the local population's desire for domestic stability.

Building a 12,000-Strong Force

Major General Jasper Jeffers, commander of the multinational peacekeeping force in Gaza, stated that the long-term objective is to train and deploy approximately 12,000 police officers across the enclave. The National Committee’s recruitment call, posted on the "X" platform, invited qualified men and women to serve, provided they meet several criteria:

Residency: Must be residents of the Gaza Strip.

Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

Background: Candidates must have a clean criminal record and meet high physical fitness standards.

A Pillar of Reconstruction

The establishment of this security apparatus is a cornerstone of the broader U.S. plan for Gaza, which involves billions of dollars in pledged reconstruction aid and the creation of a UN-endorsed stability force. The National Committee praised the "dedication of police personnel" who continued to serve under extreme conditions during recent conflicts, noting that their commitment is the foundation of this new era.

Despite the initial success of the recruitment drive, significant challenges remain. Diplomatic sources point to ongoing disagreements between Israeli and Palestinian stakeholders regarding the final security arrangements and the demilitarization of the territory. However, the rapid influx of applicants suggests a strong local momentum toward reclaiming civil authority and restoring public safety.