Israel Determines Gaza Strategy Amid Truce Talks

Israel has declared it will maintain full security control over Gaza despite agreeing to a US-brokered ceasefire that includes plans for an international security force. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel alone will make decisions regarding military strikes and the composition of any foreign troops entering the territory.

Netanyahu Asserts Israel’s Security Autonomy

Speaking to ministers in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, “Israel is an independent state. We will defend ourselves by our own means and we will continue to determine our fate.” He firmly added, “We do not seek anyone’s approval for this. We control our security.” This stance reinforces Israel’s position on retaining overall security control of the Gaza Strip.

The Prime Minister specified that Israel would determine which countries are acceptable to contribute to any international force, explicitly ruling out involvement from regional rival Turkey. Government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian later reinforced the message, stating, “The prime minister has said it’s going to be done the easy way or the hard way, and Israel will have overall security control of the Gaza Strip.”

Humanitarian Situation and Hostage Recovery Efforts

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

As the fragile truce holds, an Egyptian technical convoy entered Gaza to assist in the search for the remains of deceased Israeli hostages. Footage showed low-loader lorries transporting bulldozers and diggers into the Al-Zawayda area. Bedrosian confirmed Netanyahu personally approved the team’s entry, clarifying they are technical personnel, not military, and are permitted to operate beyond the Israeli Defense Forces’ current “Yellow Line” position.

Aid agencies continue to report severe humanitarian challenges, with limited convoy access failing to fully alleviate famine conditions in parts of Gaza. Families in Gaza City, like that of grandmother Hiam Muqdad, describe a life of devastation, residing in tents next to their ruined homes and scavenging for materials to burn.

Ceasefire Dynamics and Future Governance

The United States has established a truce monitoring center in southern Israel and dispatched officials to bolster the ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism that the agreement would hold if Hamas disarms and relinquishes governance. He indicated that the international stabilisation force is intended to eventually allow for a full Israeli withdrawal and the demilitarization of all Gaza, ensuring Israel’s security control is maintained through a transition.

Hamas, however, has resisted immediate disarmament. Lead negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya stated the group’s weapons are “linked to the presence of the occupation,” suggesting they would only be transferred to a Palestinian state upon Israel’s withdrawal. The group insists it is committed to returning the remaining 13 hostage bodies but warns the task is difficult amid Gaza’s widespread rubble. Israel maintains that Hamas knows the locations and must intensify recovery efforts. This ongoing dispute highlights the complex challenges in solidifying the ceasefire and establishing a lasting peace under Israel’s overarching security control.