Gaza -- The International Stabilization Force (ISF) will be deployed in the Gaza Strip at the beginning of 2026, a US official told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday night.

The official noted that the ISF will initially include only personnel from one or two countries, with more countries potentially joining in the future.

The ISF “will not be deployed in areas controlled by Hamas in the Gaza Strip," the official added.

Ambassador Danny Danon insisted last month that the ISF must play an active role in disarming Hamas. However, Danon admitted at the time that it was "complicated" to envision when such a force would come into effect. 

“What interests us now is seeing whether this force can stabilize the situation and strip Hamas of its weapons,” he explained. “That’s the immediate objective.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made similar comments last month, expressing uncertainty on when the ISF would launch its operations. He noted that many countries were reluctant to enter the Gaza Strip, despite vocalizing support for a ceasefire.

While the US official did not disclose the countries that will be involved in the ISF, the source's comments came after Turkish security sources told their country's media that they were ready and waiting to be deployed. 

"We have no problem with the troops being sent to Gaza to join the ISF. The Americans also very much want us there, while Israel opposes it. The Americans are pressuring Israel to have Turkish troops [as part of the force]," sources were cited as saying.