Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Israel’s control over Gaza’s future on Sunday, stating his government will decide which international forces are “unacceptable” for a planned peacekeeping mission. This comes days after a truce brokered by Donald Trump.
Netanyahu claimed full US backing for this position. “This is, of course, acceptable to the United States as well,” he said. The assertion is complicated by the fact that Hamas remains armed and refuses to disarm.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, confirmed the alignment. He stated the force must be agreeable to Israel and that Gaza’s future governance must “exclud[e] Hamas.”
The prime minister has already signaled this veto will be used to block Turkey, reflecting a deep diplomatic rift. Other nations like Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf Arab states are being considered as potential contributors.
The ceasefire is fragile. An Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp, targeting alleged militants, was branded a “clear violation” by Hamas. Separately, Donald Trump has warned Hamas to accelerate the return of Israeli hostage remains.