Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel will have the authority to decide which foreign forces will participate in an international force in Gaza to assist in maintaining a delicate ceasefire outlined in U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal. The inclusion of troops from Arab and other nations is uncertain due to the reluctance of Palestinian Hamas militants to disarm as mandated by the plan, with Israel expressing reservations about the composition of the force.
While the U.S. has ruled out deploying its own troops to Gaza, discussions have been held with countries such as Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan to potentially contribute to the multinational force. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s stance on security control and the ability to veto unacceptable forces, with assurance of U.S. support for this approach.
Addressing concerns about Turkish security forces in Gaza, Netanyahu indicated opposition based on strained relations following the Gaza conflict, where Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel’s military actions. Israel, which controlled Gaza’s access during the conflict with Hamas in 2023, continues to maintain authority over the territory.
Hamas has broadened its search for hostages’ remains in Gaza following Egyptian assistance, as outlined in the ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. Under the terms, Hamas is expected to return Israeli hostages’ bodies promptly, reciprocated by Israel returning Palestinian remains. The process faces complexities, including disarming Hamas and managing post-war governance in Gaza, with calls for increased humanitarian aid access from the United Nations.
Recent Israeli strikes in Gaza sparked accusations from Hamas of violating the ceasefire, with Netanyahu defending the military’s actions targeting alleged militants associated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. The situation remains tense, with efforts to uphold the ceasefire amid challenges and international mediation interventions.