US Drops Hamas Disarmament Condition for Gaza Reconstruction After 1,000 Days
On the 1,000th day since the October 7 attacks, the US administration has decided to abandon the demand for Hamas disarmament as a precondition for Gaza's reconstruction. This condition was originally part of former President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, which paved the way for the Gaza ceasefire agreement approved by the Israeli government in October 2025. The first phase of the plan, involving the return of hostages and the release of 250 prisoners, mostly convicted murderers, along with 1,700 Gazan civilians, was completed. However, disarming Hamas was key to moving forward.
Since then, the US and Israel have diverged. The Trump administration followed a path shaped by Qatar, Turkey, and their economic interests in the Middle East, leaving Israel isolated and sidelined. Three years after the war began, Gaza remains a diminishing territorial issue but also a symbol of broader regional challenges involving Iran, Lebanon, and Syria, highlighting that the US is no longer aligned with Israel as before.
Indirect negotiations between the US and Hamas have progressed through intermediaries, with US envoy Steve Witkoff engaging with Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya in Qatar. This breakthrough, first reported by Israeli Channel 11's diplomatic correspondent Gili Cohen and confirmed by reliable sources, marks a partial lifting of the embargo and a normalization effort led by Qatar. While Hamas has not changed its stance, the US has shifted its position, seeking partial disarmament focused on heavy weapons, though no consensus exists on what constitutes "heavy" arms.
Despite the lack of disarmament, the US has moved to phase two: gradual reconstruction of Israeli-controlled Gaza areas. Israel will withdraw, replaced by an international force, with cities rebuilt and populations relocated over a decade. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu initially expected Hamas to collapse post-ceasefire, but Hamas's control has instead solidified, similar to Iran's regime, with the population lacking alternatives. If Gazans relocate eastward to rebuilt areas, Hamas will likely move with them.
Within Israel, some hoped for renewed conflict to influence elections, but recent military threat reports from Gaza have been exaggerated. The IDF currently controls about 60% of Gaza, encircling Hamas and key routes. The future remains uncertain, with Hamas leaders gaining prestige from Iran and warning that any Israeli attack on Gaza could prompt Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional tensions. This analysis was detailed in the weekend edition of Yedioth Ahronoth's supplement.
