NN ONLINE:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is responsible for its own security and “is not a protectorate of the United States,” as he prepared for talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s remarks appeared aimed at reassuring Israelis concerned that a proposed international security force in Gaza might restrict Israel’s freedom to act militarily. “Israel alone will determine its security,” he said before the meeting.
Vice President Vance, who arrived in Israel earlier this week, acknowledged that major challenges remain in achieving lasting peace but expressed optimism. “We face a tough task — disarming Hamas, rebuilding Gaza, and ensuring security for Israel. It’s not easy, but I’m optimistic,” he told reporters. Vance is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, accompanied by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner.
Uncertainty continues over who will govern Gaza and how the proposed international security force will be structured. Vance mentioned Turkey and Indonesia as likely contributors, while Britain will send officers to help monitor the truce.
Meanwhile, Israel said it identified two more hostages whose remains were returned by the Red Cross — Arie Zalmanovich and Tamir Adar, both killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Since the October 10 ceasefire began, 15 bodies of Israeli hostages have been returned, with 13 still unaccounted for.
In Gaza, funeral prayers were held for 54 Palestinians whose bodies were returned by Israel. The deceased were among 165 bodies handed over last week. Gaza health officials said several showed “signs of torture” and urged an international investigation. Separately, the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme reported that one of its facilities in Gaza City was forcibly taken over by an unidentified armed group on October 13. The organization called the seizure a “serious crime” and appealed for urgent intervention from Palestinian and international authorities.
Also Wednesday, Israelis paid tribute to Thai farmworker Sonthaya Oakkharasri, killed in the October 7 Hamas assault. His body was recently returned and is being repatriated to Thailand.
The war, sparked by Hamas’ 2023 attacks that killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 kidnappings, has since claimed more than 68,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
