The planned international peace force for Gaza is in limbo, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is demanding absolute veto power over its composition. Days after a Trump-brokered truce, Netanyahu said Israel alone will decide which nations are “unacceptable.”
Netanyahu claimed the US supports this demand. This was echoed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said in Israel that the force must be “comfortable” for the Israeli government.
This position has already created friction, with Netanyahu signaling he would block Turkish involvement. Rubio also made clear that Hamas would have no role in Gaza’s future, a key Israeli demand as the group refuses to disarm.
The ceasefire is facing severe tests. An Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp, which Israel claimed targeted militants, was called a “clear violation” by Hamas.
Additionally, the slow return of Israeli hostage remains has prompted a public warning from Donald Trump. Hamas, which has returned 18 remains, claims the recovery is difficult in the rubble.