Israel trying to influence UNSC draft on Gaza stabilisation force: Reports
Israeli leaders are trying to shape a UN Security Council draft that Washington intends to push to establish the international stabilisation force envisioned for Gaza in the future, according to reports in US and Israeli media.
Israel was reluctant to agree to a UN mandate for the force, but backed down under US pressure, an unnamed senior Israeli official told US outlet CNN.
Israel has nevertheless been involved in drafting the resolution and is still trying to influence its wording, the official said.
Israel’s Channel 12 also quoted an unnamed senior Israeli official as saying that Israeli authorities are strongly against parts of the resolution, mainly because the Israeli army would have to honour the ceasefire agreement and complete another stage of its withdrawal from Gaza.
The outlet said some Israeli officials are also critical of the resolution because they believe the stabilisation force will “internationalise” the conflict by adding oversight.
Document outlines UN mission in Gaza to protect borders and disarm armed groups: Report
The Associated Press is reporting that its journalists have seen a version of a document shared by the US with members of the UN Security Council that outlines the details of the UN force to be deployed for peacekeeping in Gaza.
The AP said the document is only a starting point, and further negotiations on the final plan are expected. The force would operate in Gaza until the end of 2027 and would be responsible for disarming Hamas and other armed groups.
It would also be tasked with protecting Gaza’s borders, the AP added.
Hostage remains handed over Tuesday are those of dual US-Israeli citizen Itay Chen, Israel says
Israel on Tuesday said it had received the remains of Itay Chen, the last US-Israeli hostage held in Gaza, as part of the US-brokered ceasefire deal that came into effect last month.
Israel said it received a coffin containing the remains via the Red Cross in Gaza and later transported it to Israel’s national forensics laboratory where he was identified.
The confirmation of the identity of the remains means only seven deceased hostages remain in Gaza.
Chen, a staff sergeant who served in the Armored Corps, had been stationed at the Gaza border on October 7. His remains were taken into Gaza after he was killed, the Israel Defense Forces said.
