Rebuilding Gaza Requires Hamas Disarmament, Says Israeli Envoy Danon

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, stated on Wednesday that any reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip must be contingent upon the disarmament of Hamas and the cessation of its control over the territory. "The reconstruction of Gaza requires the disarmament of Hamas, the end of its power, and guarantees for Israel's security. These are the necessary conditions to build a different future," Danon asserted.

Danon's remarks came following a meeting of the Peace Council, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, which he attended with representatives from several countries. The council presented a six-month recovery program for Gaza, comprising 66 projects with an estimated cost of $2.45 billion.

The plan focuses on six key areas: infrastructure reconstruction, human development, economic recovery, digital transformation, the restoration of the legal framework, and peace and security. Implementation is slated to begin once sufficient funding is secured and access to the territory is guaranteed.

The Peace Council is tasked with overseeing Gaza's reconstruction and future governance under a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. This plan specifically includes the disarmament of Hamas, a condition the terrorist group has thus far rejected. Israel maintains that sustainable reconstruction cannot commence without assurances that Hamas will be prevented from rebuilding its military capabilities and reasserting control over the enclave.