The United States has set its key condition for a Gaza peace force: it must be composed of “countries that Israel’s comfortable with,” according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This statement gives strong backing to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to veto “unacceptable” nations.
Netanyahu declared Sunday that “Israel will determine” the force’s composition, a move aimed at shaping Gaza’s future as Hamas refuses to disarm. He has already signaled this veto would be used to block Turkey.
Rubio, visiting Israel, also confirmed that Gaza’s future governance must be decided by “Israel and its partners, excluding Hamas.”
The US has ruled out sending its own troops but is exploring a UN resolution to authorize the force, with talks scheduled in Qatar.
The Trump-brokered truce remains fragile. It was tested this weekend by an Israeli strike on Nuseirat, and by a slow exchange of remains that has drawn a warning from Donald Trump.
Gaza Force Must Be “Comfortable” for Israel, Says US, as Netanyahu Vows Veto
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