Hamas Rejects Israeli-Backed Proposal for Arab Forces in Gaza

Hamas leader Hussam Badran, during an interview with Al Jazeera, said that this idea originated from Israel, as it was discussed by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during his visit to Washington.

He added that Gallant represents a security entity, not even a political one, so the entire project is security-oriented and serves the occupation, fulfilling its ambitions that it failed to achieve directly in the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip. He pointed out that the party behind the idea is described as direct enemies of the Palestinian people, explaining that the Palestinian people are capable of managing their internal affairs and arranging their situation in a manner that suits their aspirations and sacrifices.

“We do not need guardianship from any party, whether Arab, regional, or international,” he continued.

Factions reject the idea

The Palestinian factions had affirmed that any international or Arab force entering the Gaza Strip is rejected, unacceptable, and tantamount to an occupying force, while at the same time commending the positions of Arab countries that rejected cooperation with Israel’s proposal to form such a force.

Israeli claims of progress in the idea

This came in response to claims made by Israeli media, stating that Gallant had informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “progress” in talks with the United States regarding a proposal to deploy a multinational force in the Gaza Strip.

According to Channel 12, Gallant held talks with American officials during his visit to Washington a few days ago regarding the formation of a multinational force to be deployed in Gaza to be responsible for the security of the area and the entry and organization of humanitarian aid.

The channel claimed that these talks resulted in progress that was not specified, noting that the members of that force would be from three Arab countries, without naming them.