Israel’s stance on the Gaza peace force is one of total control, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring he will hand-pick the participants and has already rejected Turkey. This comes as the region operates under a shaky Trump-brokered truce.
“Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu said, citing poor relations with Turkish President Erdogan. He also claimed the US supports this veto power.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Israel, affirmed that the force must be “comfortable” for Israel and that Hamas must be excluded from power. The US will not send troops, but is exploring a UN resolution to authorize the force.
This diplomatic maneuvering comes as the truce faces significant challenges. Hamas remains armed, and an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp was condemned by Hamas as a “clear violation.”
The slow return of Israeli hostage remains is another point of contention, prompting a public warning from Donald Trump to Hamas.