The world’s largest Muslim-majority country is preparing to deploy a force of up to 8,000 troops to the Gaza Strip, Indonesian Army Commander Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak said, adding that the expeditionary force would include medical and engineering units as well as special forces.
The former US secretary of state said Iran should be concerned about the president’s intentions. Pompeo argued that Hamas will not disarm and that only the use of force will bring results. He said Mahmoud Abbas is a supporter of terrorism and must not be allowed to control Gaza after the war.
Dozens of ambulances from the Egyptian Red Crescent entered through the Rafah Crossing as part of preparations to evacuate wounded and sick Gazans. An Israeli security official said the pilot opening of the crossing was now underway, but it was still unclear whether Gaza residents would begin passing through it later on Sunday.
Terror group insists on immunity for commanders before surrendering weapons. Washington receptive to idea, but Jerusalem demands concrete disarming mechanism first. Regional sources say Hamas strengthening grip on Gaza rather than preparing to disarm.
Ran Gvili returned to Israel as Hamas was obligated to do under Phase One of the Gaza Plan. The fact that this happened with the backing of the technocrats’ government is giving senior officials in Washington and Israel hope that it will continue to deliver results. Its next major test, of course, will be the disarmament of Hamas.
Hamas is seeking to integrate thousands of police officers affiliated with the terrorist organization into the new administrative mechanism in Gaza. The demand is expected to face Israeli opposition, as Hamas debates whether to relinquish its weapons.
Israel Hayom has learned that military forces stood ready to launch cemetery operation near Daraj Tuffah and Shujaiyya while awaiting political authorization that came only after the US compelled Israel to open the Rafah crossing.
Sources told Sky News Arabic Arab states and other countries are pressing the Trump administration not to exclude the Palestinian Authority from managing the Gaza Strip. The sources added that Israel has set “impossible conditions” for reopening the Rafah crossing, including the establishment of an Israeli inspection point.
With Palestinian official saying Rafah crossing poised for reopening amid Gaza power shift, Israeli diplomatic source says remote surveillance measures have been taken to ensure reopening, once official, would not compromise Israeli security.
President signs Board of Peace charter at Davos with world leaders, tells Hamas to return final deceased hostage, and says that "Iran wants to talk – and we will talk."
