Israel's Security Autonomy Affirmed Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Tel Aviv, Oct 22 (AP) - In a significant statement, Israel's Prime Minister expressed a firm stance on Wednesday, asserting that Israel independently manages its security and does not operate as a protectorate of the United States. This declaration comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to engage in discussions with US Vice President JD Vance about the status of the tenuous ceasefire in Gaza.

Netanyahu's remarks appear to be aimed at allaying fears among the Israeli public about the potential limitations on Israel's ability to act against future threats in the region should an international security force be deployed in Gaza.

"We are not a protectorate of the United States. Israel is the one that will decide on its security," Netanyahu said, as per a statement from his office, ahead of his meeting with Vance.

Prior to the meeting, Vice President Vance acknowledged the daunting challenges on the path to peace in the region but maintained an optimistic perspective about the efforts underway. "We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza to make life better for the people in Gaza." He added, "There's a lot of work to do, but I feel very optimistic about where we are." Vance is also scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, accompanied by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Amidst ongoing discussions about the ceasefire strategy, there remains much uncertainty about the role and composition of an international security force in Gaza and the future governance of the area. Vice President Vance has noted that countries like Turkiye and Indonesia are expected to contribute troops to this force.

Additionally, Britain will provide military officers to help monitor the ceasefire. As these discussions continue, Israel has reported the identification of two more hostages' bodies recovered from Gaza, identified as Arie Zalmanovich and Tamir Adar, both victims of the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Since the ceasefire began on October 10, the remains of 15 hostages have been returned to Israel, with efforts ongoing to recover the remaining 13 bodies from Gaza, a crucial component of the ceasefire agreement.

On the Palestinian side, 54 individuals are set for burial in Deir al Balah, Gaza, with the bodies having been displayed outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Some of these remain unidentified, part of the 165 bodies returned by Israel last week. A senior health official in Gaza has highlighted signs of torture on some bodies and called for an investigation, though Israel has not provided identification or details about the deceased's origins.

In another development, the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme reported that an armed group seized one of its facilities in Gaza City, displacing staff and taking over the premises. The organization has called for intervention from Palestinian authorities and ceasefire sponsors to address this violation.

Meanwhile, Israelis are set to honor Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai farmworker killed in the October 7 attack, before his repatriation to Thailand. The conflict has resulted in the loss of around 1,200 lives in Israel and an extensive toll in Gaza, with over 68,000 Palestinians killed, figures provided by Gaza's Health Ministry and considered reliable by various agencies, though disputed by Israel. (AP)

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