US and Israel say Gaza reconstruction on hold until Hamas disarmed

A senior Israeli official told the French news agency AFP that the United States and Israel have reached an agreement that no redeployment or reconstruction activities will be carried out in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is fully disarmed across the territory. The statement, made in a brief interview, underscores the conditions set by Washington and Tel Aviv for any future humanitarian or reconstruction efforts in the region.

The announcement follows months of escalating tensions and ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007. Both governments have emphasized that security must be restored before civilian infrastructure can be rebuilt or aid can be distributed. The US, which has provided significant military and economic support to Israel, has reiterated its stance that any reconstruction must be contingent upon the dismantlement of Hamas’s armed capabilities.

The agreement signals a continued focus on security over immediate relief in Gaza, as both sides prepare for a potential shift in the conflict’s dynamics. While the details of the disarmament process remain undisclosed, the statement confirms that the international community, led by the United States, is closely monitoring the situation and will only proceed with reconstruction once Hamas’s military presence is eliminated.