Israel Rejects Gaza Peace Council Criticism, Blames Hamas for Blocked Aid

Israel issued a strong rebuttal Tuesday to criticism from the Gaza Peace Council, an entity operating under former U.S. President Donald Trump's initiative, regarding the handling of recent heavy rains and flooding in the Gaza Strip. In its statement, Israel asserted that Hamas has not surrendered any weaponry, continues to divert humanitarian aid for military purposes, and is the primary obstacle to Gaza's reconstruction.

Israel emphasized its close cooperation with the United States and the Peace Council, reaffirming commitment to the success of Trump's 20-point plan. However, Israel stressed that under the plan, Hamas must disarm and Gaza must be demilitarized before reconstruction can begin. Israel expressed hope that Hamas would fulfill its commitments to disarm, relinquish control of Gaza, and begin de-radicalization, but stated the organization has so far failed to surrender any weapons and continues to hold Gaza's residents under its rule.

The Israeli statement further accused Hamas of systematically using civilian materials for military buildup, citing the use of cement intended for housing to construct terror tunnels, water pipes for missile launchers, and sewage pumps for rocket production. Israel also claimed Hamas diverts humanitarian aid to build military infrastructure, a phenomenon allegedly ignored by the UN and UNRWA.

Despite the criticism of Hamas, Israel confirmed the approval of additional humanitarian supplies for Gaza to alleviate winter conditions. Through the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Israeli Territories (COGAT) and in coordination with the Peace Council, UN, international organizations, and donor countries, a winter preparedness plan was advanced. This plan includes over 91,000 tents, more than 8,200 trucks of sheeting, blankets, winter clothing, and other equipment, along with 12 pumping trucks for sewage removal, water and sewage network repairs, and fuel for pumping facilities. Israel stated it will continue to support winter preparedness but will not allow Hamas to exploit humanitarian equipment for military purposes.

The Israeli statement was prompted by a special message from the Gaza Peace Council expressing deep concern over the humanitarian situation following the floods, which reportedly inundated thousands of tents and temporary shelters, damaged property, and left many families displaced in harsh conditions. The Council had urged the Israeli government, particularly its security apparatus and COGAT, to urgently approve the entry of essential shelter, water, sanitation, drainage, and sewage removal equipment, in line with commitments under the peace plan and the Sharm El Sheikh protocol. The Council also criticized Israel's response as insufficient and noted that delays in approvals hinder humanitarian efforts and the political process of disarming Hamas and transferring authority to the Gaza Reconstruction Committee.

Concurrently, the Council demanded Hamas cease all military activity in civilian areas, lay down its arms, and fully transfer governmental authority. It called on the UN, international organizations, and donor countries to collectively mobilize resources, stating, "The time for promises without implementation has passed." Israel, in turn, reiterated that Hamas is responsible for the suffering of Gaza's residents and that its refusal to disarm is the main impediment to Gaza's reconstruction, urging mediators to demand Hamas's immediate disarmament to enable the implementation of Trump's 20-point plan.