Israel has allowed Red Cross and Egyptian recovery teams to enter Gaza and search beyond the “yellow line,” a boundary marking the Israeli military’s withdrawal zone. The mission focuses on locating the bodies of deceased hostages as part of ongoing humanitarian efforts in the war-torn enclave.
Israeli officials confirmed the permission was granted under strict coordination, emphasizing that the movement of foreign personnel would remain closely monitored. The decision marks a rare instance of cooperation amid heightened regional tension and fragile ceasefire conditions.
Israel’s Control Over Foreign Forces in Gaza
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will maintain full control over which international forces are permitted entry into Gaza. He stressed that only those nations deemed acceptable by Israel would be allowed to participate in the multinational force proposed under the peace plan led by US President Donald Trump.
“We are in charge of our security and will decide which international forces are acceptable,” Netanyahu declared during a cabinet session. He added that the United States had agreed to this approach, reaffirming Israel’s stance on maintaining sovereignty over its security decisions.
Proposed International Force for Gaza
Under Washington’s initiative, the planned multinational force aims to stabilize Gaza following months of intense conflict. While the United States has ruled out deploying its own troops, diplomatic sources indicate that several nations—including Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Azerbaijan—have been approached to contribute peacekeeping personnel.
The proposal seeks to enforce a fragile ceasefire and prevent renewed hostilities while ensuring aid delivery to Gaza’s civilians. However, Israel’s insistence on controlling participation underscores its reluctance to cede any operational authority.
Two Years of Siege and Ongoing Restrictions
Israel continues to maintain strict control over Gaza’s borders, two years after imposing a comprehensive siege that followed Hamas’s deadly cross-border assault in October 2023. Despite partial military withdrawals, access to and from Gaza remains under Israeli oversight, limiting humanitarian operations and reconstruction efforts.
The recent decision to allow limited international access for recovery missions is seen as a cautious step toward easing tensions. Yet, Israeli officials maintain that national security remains the overriding priority.
As discussions over the international stabilization force continue, the future of Gaza’s governance and security structure remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is Israel’s determination to remain the ultimate arbiter of who operates within the enclave’s boundaries.
