The Gaza Envelope Forum, a residents' advocacy group, said Thursday that Israel is allowing international forces to implement Article 17 of the ceasefire framework at an 'alarming pace,' transferring security responsibility to foreign powers. The forum warned that Hamas is using the process to buy time and rebuild, and urged the government to cancel the article and commit to toppling Hamas rule.
The Gaza Envelope Forum, an advocacy group representing Israeli communities near the Gaza border, issued a statement Thursday calling on the government to cancel Article 17 of the ceasefire framework and commit to toppling Hamas rule. The forum warned that Israel is allowing international forces to implement the article at an "alarming pace," transferring security responsibility for the Gaza periphery to foreign powers. It described Hamas's diplomatic maneuvers as "sand-throwing and time-wasting on the international stage" while the group rebuilds its capabilities.
"The time has come for the Israeli government to announce the cessation of Article 17 and strive to topple Hamas rule, as it promised its citizens," the forum said.
Article 17 of the framework, part of the ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the war with Hamas, envisions an international force taking over security responsibilities in Gaza. The Zioneer has previously reported on the government's decision to launch a pilot for implementing the article. Critics, including the Gaza Envelope Forum and other right-leaning advocacy groups, argue that the move allows Hamas to recover while foreign forces, which may not share Israel's security interests, take control.
The forum's statement echoes concerns raised by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who said earlier this month that Hamas's willingness to cede ground to a technocrat government is a tactical ploy to avoid disarmament. Israel has insisted on the full implementation of the Trump plan, centered on disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza.
The government has not yet responded to the forum's statement.
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