Israeli Border Communities Demand Hamas Disarmament Before Gaza Reconstruction Begins
The Israeli Security Cabinet's decision to allow the International Peace Council to enter Gaza and initiate reconstruction without requiring Hamas to disarm has sparked concern among residents of the Gaza border communities. Michal Oziah, head of the Eshkol Regional Council, wrote to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and cabinet ministers emphasizing that reconstruction should not proceed until Hamas is fully disarmed and stripped of its military and governing capabilities. She highlighted the heavy toll on western Negev residents during the October 7 attacks, calling Hamas disarmament a fundamental condition for the security of Israeli children and communities.
The International Stabilization Force (ISF), composed initially of about 200 personnel from friendly countries such as Uganda and Morocco, with plans to include troops from Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Albania, Vietnam, and Georgia, is set to begin operations in Rafah. The ISF will support the Palestinian technocratic government (NCAG) in managing pilot areas outside Hamas control, providing humanitarian aid and basic services. Entry of ISF forces requires approval from Israel’s Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Foreign Minister, with Israel retaining control over which countries participate.
Settlement Minister Orit Strook, an observer in the cabinet, reiterated that the complete destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities remains a war objective and that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from Gaza until these goals are met. She stressed that these aims were reaffirmed in previous cabinet decisions and international frameworks, including the Trump administration’s Gaza plan and UN Security Council resolutions.
The "Future for the Envelope" movement and the "Envelope of Israel" forum strongly oppose reconstruction efforts before Hamas is disarmed, warning that premature rebuilding risks strengthening Hamas and endangering border communities. They demand effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure Israel’s security freedom of action and early detection of any terrorist regrouping.
Officials involved in the pilot project stressed that the initiative aims to create safe zones managed by technocrats and protected by the multinational force, providing better shelter for Gaza residents during the upcoming winter. They emphasized that the IDF will maintain its positions behind the "yellow line," with no retreat until Hamas is fully disarmed. The multinational force will prevent armed infiltration, while the Palestinian civilian police will be lightly armed. Preparations including clearing rubble and installing infrastructure are expected to begin soon, with the goal of expanding these pilot areas across Gaza alongside a phased disarmament process.
