Israel Blocks International Peacekeeping Force Base in Gaza, Report Says

Israel is obstructing the establishment of a military site in the Gaza Strip for an international peacekeeping force, according to a report by The Guardian. The proposed base was intended for the "Peace Council," an initiative led by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Peace Council signed a contract in August with an American construction company to build the site, which was slated to house the first 150 soldiers of the international force. However, two months after the contract was signed, Israel has prevented construction from proceeding by blocking the entry of contractors and necessary trucks, a source familiar with the matter told the newspaper. "Israel is not opening the borders," the source stated, adding that the restrictions prevent reconstruction, the import of building equipment, and the establishment of essential infrastructure and facilities. Trump announced the formation of the Peace Council earlier this year, and the council published its plan for Gaza's reconstruction in June. This plan includes deploying an international stabilization force to separate Israeli forces from areas controlled by the "National Committee for the Administration of Gaza," secure humanitarian aid delivery, and train a new Palestinian police force.