Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his government will be the sole arbiter of which nations are “unacceptable” to join a peacekeeping force in Gaza. This assertion of authority comes just days after a truce brokered by Donald Trump.
“We have made it clear… Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu said, adding that this position is supported by the UnitedSstates.
This stance is taken as Hamas, which still controls Gaza, refuses to disarm. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, backed Netanyahu, stating the force must be “comfortable” for Israel and that Hamas must be excluded.
Netanyahu has already signaled opposition to Turkish involvement, highlighting diplomatic tensions. The force, which the US will not join, could include Egypt and Gulf Arab states.
The truce is unstable. An Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp was called a “clear violation” by Hamas. Furthermore, the slow exchange of remains has prompted a warning from Trump for Hamas to “return more bodies.”