An Israeli official explained that there has been no progress in setting up the International Security Force (ISF) in Gaza. The UN Security Council approved an international force to secure Gaza under a US-crafted plan.
“There is currently no progress in assembling the stabilization force,” an Israeli official told Ynet. “It’s unclear when the first soldiers will arrive in the area. In any case, they’ll require training and preparation before deployment. This is the key issue the Americans need to resolve.”
Most states are refusing to send troops to the ISF. Turkey wants to contribute soldiers; however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any involvement from Ankara. Finding a nation to contribute to the ISF is just one issue preventing the peace deal for Gaza proposed by President Donald Trump from moving forward.
In October, Hamas and Tel Aviv agreed to a ceasefire and hostage exchange that was intended to bring an end to the war. The truce was meant to provide space for the two sides to move toward phase two of the peace deal.
The two sides remain at odds on several key issues, including whether Gaza will be disarmed. An additional issue is the return of the remaining captive bodies. So far, Hamas has released the remaining living 20 Israeli hostages and returned 26 of 28 bodies.
It’s unclear if Hamas and the recovery team will be able to retrieve the remains of the last two captives. Tel Aviv has refused to allow Trump’s peace plan to progress without all 28 bodies returned to Israel.
Tel Aviv’s position is causing some friction with Washington, according to an Israeli official. “The US is losing patience,” they explained, adding, “and we may soon see American pressure on Israel.”
Israel has also violated the ceasefire hundreds of times, killing over 350 Palestinians.
