Israel’s stance on the future of Gaza is hardening, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding a full veto over a planned international peacekeeping force as the ceasefire strains. This declaration comes just days after the October 10 truce brokered by Donald Trump.
“Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu stated, claiming the US backed this. The assertion is aimed at controlling the post-conflict environment, especially with Hamas still armed.
Netanyahu has already signaled this veto would apply to Turkey, whose president was a vocal critic. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported Israel’s right to a “comfortable” force and reiterated that Hamas would be excluded from power.
The ceasefire is facing multiple challenges. On Saturday night, Israeli forces struck the Nuseirat camp, which Hamas called a “clear violation.” Israel claimed the strike targeted Islamic Jihad militants.
Furthermore, the exchange of remains is lagging. Hamas has returned 18 hostage remains, while Israel has returned 195 Palestinian bodies. Trump has warned Hamas to accelerate the process, but the group cites difficulties in the rubble.