Israeli PM's Office Denies Approval of International Force Entry to Gaza Amid Reconstruction Reports

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office clarified on Thursday that no political authorization has been given for the entry of an international force into the Gaza Strip. The office firmly rejected recent reports suggesting such a deployment, emphasizing that reconstruction efforts in Gaza will not commence until Hamas is fully disarmed. This statement came in response to footage released earlier in the week by the Tzav 9 movement and the Eshkol Regional Forum, which showed activity at the American base in Kerem Shalom and suggested the arrival of initial international and ISF forces preparing for reconstruction in areas under Israeli military control along the "yellow line".

The Eshkol Regional Forum argued that the government's position on halting reconstruction until Hamas's disarmament applies only to territories controlled by the terrorist organization, citing clause 17 of an agreement that anticipates reconstruction in Israeli-controlled zones to begin soon. They also claimed that international forces and the "Peace Council" have already started preliminary inspections in Gaza ahead of planned rebuilding efforts. Residents of the Gaza envelope expressed strong opposition, vowing to defend their security and right to peaceful living.

Tzav 9 also criticized any reconstruction before Hamas's complete disarmament, warning that rebuilding infrastructure prematurely would effectively reward and encourage Hamas to resist disarmament, resulting in a significant defeat for Israel in the ongoing conflict. The movement announced a protest scheduled for next Tuesday in Kerem Shalom against the proposed reconstruction plans, asserting that their lives are not worth less than others'.