Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will dictate which foreign forces may be involved in a planned international contingent aimed at stabilizing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, a part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader peace initiative. The participation of foreign troops remains uncertain, particularly due to Palestinian Hamas militants’ refusal to disarm as stipulated in the plan, raising concerns in Israel about the composition of the force.
The Trump administration has reportedly communicated with several countries, including Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, about contributing to this multinational force. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s autonomy in security matters and reiterated that it would determine which foreign troops would be acceptable. He noted that this position aligns with the United States’ stance as expressed by top officials recently.
The backdrop of this development includes the significant military engagement in Gaza that began after Hamas’s cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, leading to a blockade by Israel, restricting access to the territory. Recently, Netanyahu indicated strong opposition to any involvement of Turkish forces in Gaza, a sentiment stemming from the highly strained relations between Turkey and Israel amidst the ongoing conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to Israel aimed at bolstering the truce, commented that any multinational force must consist of countries that Israel can accept. The future governance of Gaza remains to be defined, and Rubio insisted that Hamas cannot play a role in it. Discussions are ongoing regarding a possible U.N. resolution or an international agreement to formalize the deployment of this force.
A contentious point persists, as Hamas has refused to disarm. The situation remains tense as the group has recently implemented a crackdown on clans within Gaza that oppose its authority. Furthermore, an Israeli government spokesperson highlighted that Hamas is aware of the locations of deceased Israeli hostages, emphasizing the group’s lack of effort in recovering their remains. Israel has allowed the entry of an Egyptian technical team to assist in locating bodies amidst the debris left by the conflict.
Netanyahu reiterated that Israel operates independently and is not under U.S. control when determining its security policies, framing the relationship as one of partnership. In the diplomatic arena, analysts have pointed out that Trump’s administration has successfully urged Netanyahu to accept a framework for a peace discussion and to engage with leaders from Arab states, who may influence Hamas regarding hostage returns.
Despite ongoing hostilities and the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza—reported to have resulted in over 56,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict escalated—there remains a cautious optimism that diplomatic efforts could eventually lead to a sustainable resolution. As international stakeholders engage in discussions, hopes persist that humanitarian crises can be addressed and peace can be pursued in a region long affected by turmoil. The resilience of the Gazan people continues to display the urgent need for relief and a commitment to creating a stable environment in the future.
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