Ankara: The Board of Peace announced Tuesday the arrival of the first 'tactical vehicles' at the base of the International Security Force (ISF) near the Gaza Strip, as logistical preparations continue for the deployment of a multinational force in the enclave. 'Tactical vehicles arrive at Logistics Support Area: Endurance,' it wrote on the US social media company X, accompanied by photographs documenting the arrival.
According to Anadolu Agency, the first tactical vehicles have arrived at a base near Kerem Shalom (southern enclave) set to house the International Stabilization Force (ISF) that will operate in Gaza. This development was reported by the Israeli outlet i24news correspondent Ariel Oseran, citing the Board of Peace.
Hazem Qassem, spokesperson for Hamas, expressed the group's hopes on Facebook that the board's move would mark the beginning of implementing the tasks assigned to them. These tasks primarily involve separating Palestinians in Gaza from Israeli forces and working to halt Israeli violations. 'We call on the Board of Peace to begin the actual implementation of the provisions of the plan to end the war on Gaza,' said Qassem.
He further emphasized that the plan should include the introduction of the national committee tasked with administering the enclave, delivering 'real relief,' compelling Israel to withdraw, and initiating reconstruction efforts. Qassem stressed that reconstruction is 'a fundamental right for all our people wherever they are in the Gaza Strip.'
Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for discussions with Egyptian officials and mediators regarding the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Board of Peace, established in January on US President Donald Trump's initiative, aims to reach a peaceful settlement in Gaza.
The first board meeting on Gaza took place on February 19 at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, under Trump's leadership. This initiative is part of phase two of Trump's 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza, supported by a UN Security Council Resolution from last November.
The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement involved a truce and prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestinian factions, a permanent ceasefire, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. Nevertheless, Israel has continued to breach the agreement on a near-daily basis.
Under the second phase, Israel is expected to conduct further withdrawals from the territory, while an international stabilization force would assume security responsibilities. This includes facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials. With US backing, Israel launched a genocidal war in Gaza in October 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 73,000 Palestinians and injuries to over 173,000, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian figures.