Israel Links Gaza Reconstruction to Hamas Disarmament

Israel's Prime Minister's Office reiterated its demand that Hamas disarm and Gaza be demilitarized before reconstruction efforts can begin. The office placed full responsibility for the suffering of Gaza's residents on Hamas, following recent accusations from the "Peace Council" that Israel was exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and delaying aid. Israel stated it is cooperating with the Peace Council and the United States to implement a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that Hamas must disarm as a prerequisite for reconstruction.

The Peace Council had previously blamed Israel for worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza as winter approached, citing delays in allowing shelter supplies and aid, and a failure to fulfill commitments under the Sharm El Sheikh agreement. The council described the humanitarian response as insufficient and urged immediate action to facilitate winter aid, calling the situation an urgent humanitarian emergency after heavy rains flooded over 70,000 tents housing displaced people.

Israel's Prime Minister's Office claimed Hamas has not met its obligations regarding disarmament, relinquishing control of Gaza, or initiating "de-radicalization." They alleged Hamas has not surrendered any weapons and continues to rule Gaza, accusing the movement of exploiting humanitarian aid and resources to rebuild its military capabilities. Specific accusations included using cement intended for homes to dig tunnels, water pipes for rocket launches, and sewage pumps for manufacturing rocket shells. The office also claimed Hamas systematically diverts humanitarian aid for its military infrastructure, alleging the UN and UNRWA are turning a blind eye, though no evidence was provided.

Israel's government stated it has permitted additional supplies into Gaza to mitigate winter conditions, despite Hamas's alleged refusal to meet its obligations. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Occupied Territories (COGAT) is implementing a winter preparedness plan in coordination with the Peace Council, the UN, international organizations, and donor countries. This plan includes over 91,000 tents, 8,200 truckloads of winter supplies, and 12 sewage suction trucks, along with repairs to water and sewage networks and fuel provision for pumping facilities. The duration and delivery status of these supplies were not specified.

The renewed Israeli conditions come amid disagreements over the implementation of Trump's plan. Israel insists on complete Hamas disarmament before reconstruction, while Hamas links disarmament arrangements to Israeli commitments, including withdrawal from Gaza and cessation of attacks. A Hamas roadmap proposed in July, which included transferring Gaza's administration to a national committee and phased Israeli withdrawal, was reportedly agreed to by Hamas. Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad clarified that understandings involved securing heavy weapons under committee supervision, not surrendering them to Israel, and were contingent on Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian commitments. Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected this roadmap in August, insisting on full disarmament before any Israeli withdrawal. The Peace Council urged Hamas to fulfill its commitments regarding weapons and administration transfer but also noted that delays in humanitarian pledges hindered disarmament and power transfer procedures.