Israel "categorically rejects" the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) "advisory opinion" regarding UNRWA, calling it a "political attempt to impose political measures against Israel under the guise of ‘International Law,’" according to a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 22nd, 2025. The statement asserts that UNRWA employees "directly took part in the October 7th massacre and continue to assist Hamas’s terrorist operations," claiming extensive evidence of Hamas infiltration into UNRWA, which the UN has not fully investigated. Israel stated it "will not cooperate with an organization that is infested with terror activities." This rejection comes as an NBC network report, quoted by Aljazeera on October 22nd, 2025, estimates that Hamas retains between 10,000 and 20,000 commando soldiers in Gaza, suggesting the movement's capabilities were "not completely destroyed despite the strikes." The report also indicates Hamas is focusing on strengthening its role in managing the Strip's affairs. In parallel, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on October 22nd, 2025, that the Italian government is prepared to help train future Palestinian police and political leaders, and contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza, as reported by Bloomberg. Previously, on October 22nd, 2025, the Jordanian army announced it would send a representative to an international cease-fire implementation team in Gaza, operating from Kiryat Gat. U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance also affirmed the U.S. commitment to eradicating Hamas and working with partners for the swift return of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly informed Vance that Turkey would not be permitted to enter Gaza. Further security concerns raised on October 22nd, 2025, include claims by Israel's Unit 8200 that Hamas builds tunnels under schools. These concerns are compounded by reports of increased arms smuggling from Egypt into Israel, with Israel's security system detecting 550 fence crossings in the past 72 hours and developing a plan to address the issue.
