Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will have the final say on which countries contribute to an international force in Gaza, a stance he claims is backed by the United States.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasised Israel’s control over its security, stating, “We decide which forces are acceptable. This is our policy, and the US agrees.”
Sixteen days into a fragile ceasefire with Hamas, brokered under a 20-point plan by former US President Donald Trump on October 10, Gaza’s future remains uncertain.
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions, with Hamas yet to disarm and continuing actions against rival factions. The proposed international force, potentially including troops from Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf nations, awaits clarity, but Israel has firmly opposed Turkey’s involvement due to strained ties after President Erdogan’s comments during the Gaza conflict.
The ceasefire faces challenges, with Hamas accused of delaying the return of Israeli hostages’ remains. Israel has released 195 Palestinian bodies, while Hamas has returned only 18. Trump has warned Hamas to comply within 48 hours, prompting Egypt to deploy experts and machinery to search for remains buried in rubble.
Tensions escalated after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Nuseirat relief camp on Saturday, targeting Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives. Hamas called it a ceasefire violation, accusing Netanyahu of undermining Trump’s peace plan. The attack, the second in a week, follows an earlier strike on October 19 that killed 36 Palestinians, including women and children, raising fears of renewed conflict.