Turkey is continuing to push for a role in the international force planned for the Gaza Strip, despite Israeli opposition. Ankara is trying to exploit the situation that has emerged after more than two months have passed since the end of the war without the force being established, and is now pressing aggressively to join it.
US President Donald Trump says world leaders, including kings and prime ministers, seek roles in the upcoming Gaza Peace Council
Netanyahu set to press Trump: Let Israel disarm Hamas as international force crumbles.
Jerusalem outlines sweeping conditions as Arab states push for Palestinian Authority control of Strip, including complete Hamas disarmament and transformation of refugee camps into standard communities.
US officials want to determine whether Hamas has indeed done everything in its power to find the last remaining Israeli hostage in Gaza. If it is confirmed that this is the case, they argue there is no reason not to move on to the next phase of the Trump plan.
Sources say the administration is applying heavy pressure as Netanyahu insists Hamas must first return all deceased hostages. Washington aims to launch Gaza reconstruction by March 2026.
Move comes despite Hamas not living up to its side of the Trump deal by keeping two deceased hostages. Departure is conditional on security approval and EU supervision.
With two deceased hostages remaining, the sides are moving closer to the beginning of the second phase of the Trump plan. In Israel’s defense establishment, officials are worried about what they call American eagerness, saying only Israel can dismantle Hamas.
Although President Donald Trump declared Saudi Arabia his “top non-NATO ally,” the practical results of his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman fell far short of what both leaders had hoped to achieve.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid submits Hamas-Israel hostage deal for MKs' endorsement, but one of Netanyahu’s ministers has already vowed to oppose it. Vote largely symbolic.