Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that his government will create a list of “unacceptable” nations barred from joining a future international peacekeeping force in Gaza. This assertion of veto power comes just days after a fragile ceasefire brokered by Donald Trump took effect.
Netanyahu claimed the United States fully supports this position. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, reinforced this, stating the force must comprise “countries that Israel’s comfortable with” and that Hamas will be excluded from Gaza’s future.
This stance has already created diplomatic friction. Netanyahu signaled strong opposition to Turkey’s participation, reflecting the poor relations between the countries. While the US will not send troops, other potential participants include Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf Arab nations.
The Trump-brokered truce is facing significant hurdles. Hamas has not disarmed and has been cracking down on internal factions. Furthermore, the ceasefire was tested by an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp.
Hamas labeled the strike, the second in a week, a “clear violation” aimed at undermining the peace. The truce is also strained by a slow exchange of remains, with Trump warning Hamas to return more Israeli bodies or face consequences.