Clashes are intensifying between Israel and Hamas over the terms of a new truce, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding veto power over a peace force as Hamas condemns an Israeli strike. The strike on Nuseirat camp was called a “clear violation” by Hamas.
Israel claimed the strike, its second in a week, targeted Islamic Jihad. Amid the violence, Netanyahu asserted Israel’s control over Gaza’s future, stating, “Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us” for the international force.
This stance, which Netanyahu says the US supports, has already been used to signal opposition to Turkey. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed the principle, saying the force must be “comfortable” for Israel.
Rubio also stressed that Hamas, which has refused to disarm, will be excluded from any future governance.
The truce is also strained by the slow exchange of remains. Donald Trump warned Hamas to “return more bodies now,” as only 18 hostage remains have been returned for 195 Palestinian bodies.