Tel Aviv, Israel – In a significant statement on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced his government's commitment to national security, declaring that Israel is not a protectorate of the United States. This assertion comes as Netanyahu prepares to discuss the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Netanyahu's remarks were aimed at alleviating public concerns regarding the potential limitations on Israel's military actions due to the proposed presence of an international security force in Gaza. “We are not a protectorate of the United States. Israel is the one that will decide on its security,” he stated in a press release before his meeting with Vance.
During the meeting, Vice President Vance acknowledged the significant challenges ahead in achieving lasting peace. Despite these hurdles, he maintained a positive outlook, reflecting on the progress made since his arrival in Israel. “We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza to make life better for the people in Gaza,” Vance commented.
In addition to his meeting with Netanyahu, Vance is expected to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and families of Israeli hostages. His visit underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel during this tumultuous period. Notably, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel on Friday to continue diplomatic discussions.
As discussions unfold, uncertainties linger regarding the deployment of an international security force in Gaza. Vance mentioned that officials are currently exploring potential troop contributions from countries such as Turkey and Indonesia, with the UK also sending military officers to assist in monitoring the ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in tragic losses on both sides. Recently, Israel confirmed the identification of two more hostages who were killed during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. This brings the total number of identified deceased hostages to 15 since the ceasefire began on October 10. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israel returned the bodies of 30 Palestinians, raising the total of bodies returned to Gaza for burial to 195.
In Gaza, mourners gathered at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis for funeral prayers over the bodies of 54 Palestinians returned under the ceasefire agreement. A senior health official in Gaza claimed that some of the returned bodies displayed evidence of torture, prompting calls for an investigation. However, Israel has not provided clarity regarding the origins of these bodies.
In another troubling development, the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme reported an “armed raid and brutal takeover” of one of its facilities in Gaza City. The organization described the incident as a blatant violation of laws and norms, urging Palestinian authorities and international sponsors of the ceasefire to intervene decisively.
On a somber note, Israelis prepared to bid farewell to a Thai farmworker, Sonthaya Oakkharasri, who was killed during the October 7 attack. His body, returned from Gaza, will be repatriated to Thailand. A gathering at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv will allow friends and family to pay their respects to Oakkharasri, remembered as a devoted father and aspiring farmer.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has led to devastating casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 68,000 Palestinian deaths, a figure that includes both civilians and combatants. The ministry’s casualty records are generally seen as reliable by international organizations, although Israel disputes these numbers without offering an alternative count.
As the situation evolves, the need for a comprehensive peace plan becomes increasingly urgent, with diplomatic efforts continuing to navigate the complexities of the ceasefire agreement and its long-term implications for both Israel and Gaza.
