Israel has approved the initial deployment of about 250 foreign troops in the Gaza Strip. Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Uganda and Albania have expressed interest in joining the proposed US-led multinational force.
The Jerusalem Post, citing the Israeli news site Walla, reported that foreign military officers have been seen alongside US troops near the Gaza border over the past two weeks, as part of preparations to deploy the force. Kazakhstan has offered medical and logistical support, while Kosovo has said it is interested in helping with security and policing.
Israel, however, has objected to Turkey taking part in the force. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pressing Washington to ensure Ankara a role in military operations in Gaza, according to the report. Israeli officials fear Turkish involvement could pose a risk to Israel’s security.
Meanwhile, operations at a US military base near the Gaza border are being expanded. Trucks, armoured vehicles, medical equipment and special troop carriers have been brought in. Security at the base has been tightened, and armed US troops are stationed there around the clock.
Preparations are also moving ahead for a planned “terror-free Emirati city” to be built on the rubble of part of Rafah. Thousands of Palestinians are to be moved there, but they will have to pass strict security screening and receive approval from Israeli authorities before entering.
At first, only a limited number of Palestinians will be allowed into the area. The project is planned as a pilot, but no timetable for it has been announced. The proposed multinational force would be responsible for security around the new city.
Israel’s political leadership holds that reconstruction of the strip cannot begin until Hamas is disarmed and control of Gaza is handed to a third party.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report