Bereaved Israeli Families Demand Halt to International Force in Gaza, Urge Sole IDF Security Control

Following the Knesset's approval to deploy an international force in the Gaza Strip, the Forum of Bereaved Families has strongly opposed the decision, calling on the Israeli government to immediately stop the plan and maintain exclusive security control under the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The forum, representing families who lost loved ones in the recent "Swords of Iron" war, warns that transferring security responsibility to a foreign entity endangers Israel's safety and risks a repeat of the October 7 attacks.

Forum members, including parents and siblings of fallen soldiers, emphasize that any compromise on territorial control undermines the sacrifices and achievements of Israeli fighters. Tzurit Penigstein, mother of Maoz and a forum board member, expressed deep pain over losing her son two years ago and fears that allowing foreign forces in Gaza could lead to another devastating attack similar to October 7. She stressed the necessity of Israeli control to prevent terrorism from resurging.

Reut Hirschfeld, sister of Staff Sergeant Mati Perel, echoed the call for Israel to defend itself independently, criticizing reliance on international forces. She reminded the government of its commitment to keep security from the Negev to the sea solely under the IDF. Anna Slutzkin, sister of Israel Sokol, condemned the plan to introduce foreign aid forces to Gaza while Hamas remains active, calling it a betrayal of fallen soldiers' sacrifices. She demanded the government halt the initiative and keep all occupied territories under Israeli sovereignty and security.

The bereaved families' united message is a firm rejection of foreign involvement in Gaza's security and reconstruction, insisting that only Israel and the IDF can guarantee the nation's safety and honor the memory of those who died defending it.