JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said there would be no reconstruction of the war-devastated Gaza Strip before the disarmament of Hamas, as the “Board of Peace” held its inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C..
Around two dozen world leaders and senior officials attended the first session of the Board of Peace, formed after a ceasefire was brokered in October by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to halt nearly two years of conflict in Gaza.
“We agreed with our ally the US that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before its demilitarisation,” Netanyahu said during a televised address at a military ceremony.
The meeting is also expected to discuss the launch of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) aimed at maintaining security in Gaza. One of the most sensitive issues under consideration is the future of Hamas, which fought the war with Israel and continues to wield influence in the enclave.
Disarmament of the group remains a central Israeli demand and a key point in negotiations over the next phase of the ceasefire.
US officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff, a close associate of President Donald Trump, have said progress is being made and that Hamas is under pressure to surrender its weapons. Israel has proposed wide-ranging measures, including confiscation of small arms held by the group.
Meanwhile, the 15-member National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), established to oversee day-to-day governance in the territory, is expected to operate under the supervision of the Board of Peace. Its head, Ali Shaath, is also attending the Washington meeting.