Israel Calls for Formation of Arab Peacekeeping Force to Secure Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Israeli media reported on Friday, April 10, that the country is pushing for the establishment of an Arab peacekeeping force to ensure the security of humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. In this context, Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he had made progress during his discussions this week in Washington on this matter. The 'Times of Israel' reported separately on Gallant's talks, stating that during his meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Defense on Tuesday, April 7, he emphasized the need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying, 'While there is a need to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, it must be ensured that this aid reaches Gaza's civilians and not Hamas.' According to these reports, the force would consist of three unnamed Arab countries, but neither Saudi Arabia nor Qatar, long-time supporters of Hamas, would be part of this force. Qatar is one of the mediators in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas for the release of hostages. These media also state that the United States supports this initiative, and the force would likely be aimed at ensuring law and order and would cooperate with Palestinians in Gaza who have no ties to Hamas and are apparently figures associated with the Palestinian Authority. Israeli television 'Channel 12' reported that Netanyahu has shown resistance to this plan, but Gallant argues that it is the best option. According to these reports, it is unclear whether Arab countries are genuinely willing to participate in this plan, especially since they have repeatedly emphasized that they will not engage in governance in Gaza after the war unless it is part of a broader initiative towards a two-state solution, a condition that Israel is completely opposed to. The reaction of a senior Republican senator to the adoption of a Security Council resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza: 'It pleases the Islamic Republic.' The U.S. Secretary of Defense to his Israeli counterpart: 'Protecting Palestinian civilians is both moral and necessary.' With rising tensions over the Gaza war, the U.S. and Israeli defense ministers will meet. The Israeli Defense Minister after the Security Council vote: 'We have no moral justification for stopping the war.' Gallant on his way to the U.S.: 'I will discuss maintaining Israel's military qualitative edge with U.S. officials.' The Israeli Defense Minister: 'We target Hezbollah in Beirut, Damascus, and any other distant locations.' An Israeli airstrike in Rafah; 11 killed.