Israel agrees to deployment of international forces in Gaza after war: Local media

By Abdel Rauf Arnaut

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israel has given initial approval to the US regarding the deployment of international forces in the Gaza Strip after the end of the current conflict, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported on Thursday.

“White House Middle East envoy Brett McGurk was notified of the Israeli decision,” KAN said.

After arriving in Israel on Wednesday as part of a regional tour, McGurk held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

KAN, citing two Israeli sources, said the talks between the US envoy and Israeli officials focused on the deployment of international forces in Gaza following the end of the war.

Israeli officials told the US envoy that the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority would not be able to rule Gaza following the war, the broadcaster said.

Besides the mass deaths and carnage resulting from Israel’s controversial attacks over the last month, many foreign policy analysts have questioned what its endgame for the conflict is, and if Israel really has one.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 11,500 Palestinians have been killed, including around 7,900 women and children, and over 29,800 others injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have been damaged or destroyed in the Israeli offensive.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, stands at 1,200, according to official figures.

*Writing by Ziad Aslan in Ankara