Netanyahu Denies Approval of International Force Entry to Gaza, Emphasizes Hamas Disarmament

The Prime Minister's Office issued a firm denial on Thursday regarding reports that Israel had approved the entry of an international force into the Gaza Strip. Contrary to various international and Israeli media claims suggesting that Israel might allow or has allowed such a force as part of post-war arrangements, the office clarified that no such approval has been granted by the political echelon.

The statement reiterated Israel's position on Gaza's future, emphasizing that no reconstruction efforts will commence before the complete disarmament of Hamas. This stance aligns with Israel's ongoing policy since the war began, which conditions any future Gaza arrangements on the total dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities. Israel remains concerned that allowing international actors into Gaza before completing its military objectives could enable Hamas to rearm.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue extensive operations in Gaza. Recently, the IDF targeted Hamas's police headquarters in Gaza City, killing eight senior officers, including the acting commander of the Gaza police district. Additionally, the Southern Brigade and the Yahalom unit sealed two underground Hamas tunnels totaling over two kilometers to neutralize the terror group's tunnel network.

These ongoing military actions underscore Israel's position that the conflict is not yet over and that discussions about Gaza's future depend on achieving full military objectives against Hamas.