I can understand why hiring PMSCs will be considered beneficial to carry out these duties in Gaza as these are contractors taking no sides in the situation, as they are not part of a military/security government forces. They are the grey men. This is a good option, IMHO… For the time being.
Nonetheless, I can foresee trouble down the road regardless. I can see bandits and criminals causing trouble and striking at the PMSCs. I can also foresee Hamas and PIJ, or PFLP-GC or PFLP lashing out at the contractors out of frustration or suspicions that these are not neutral companies operating in Gaza. Or these same groups could strike at the PMSCs because they simply see them as target-worthy and intrusive.
Also, if any of the PMSCs fire on and kill civilians as collateral damage, expect retaliations and escalations of violence between the contractors and certain Gazan groups.
I see this as a test run, an experiment and a stop-gap solution. Let’s see how it goes.
Actually, there are two little-known American PMSCs and one Egyptian PMSC that have been hired to provide security and checkpoints in Gaza.
The G&M — A small U.S. security firm is hiring nearly 100 U.S. special forces veterans to help run a checkpoint in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas truce, according to a company spokesperson and a recruitment e-mail seen by Reuters, introducing armed American contractors into the heart of one of the world’s most violent conflict zones. See: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-key-gaza-checkpoint-to-be-staffed-by-us-contractors-from-little-known/
*I am using the term PMSC (Private Military Security Company/Contractors) because this contract is not strictly military-related duties. It seems this operation in Gaza is a mixed bag of military-related and security-type duties.
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A podcast worth listening to: ‘“No, really”: American PMCs in Gaza‘ (also see LI link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/royce-de-melo-39172813_no-really-american-pmcs-in-gaza-activity-7290847090014896128-AKcY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop )
Addendum: This is a great point in a comment by JD Elkin on the LinkedIn posting:
“They (the PMSCs) are also dealing with unconnected residents, kids throwing stones which is a common thing in the region, the IDF, organizations, factions and so on.”
— I like the stone-throwing by kids example because I can see it happening, having seen them in action first-hand. Often they do it for something to do, like a game, even though it’s a dangerous game that can have bad results. Also the kids are often instigated to cause trouble with stones as a cover for gunmen to go into action.
#gaza #israel #security #war #israelhamaswar #hamas #idf #bordersecurity #pmc #psc #greymen #contractors #mercenaries #terrorism #Islamists
–RdM
You 100% on all points Royce.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Brent.