Netanyahu Urges Hamas Disarmament Before Gaza Reconstruction Under Trump's Peace Plan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office published an English-language statement on his official X account overnight Tuesday, addressing the situation in Gaza and Israel's cooperation with the Board of Peace established by US President Donald Trump. The statement accused Hamas of failing to fulfill its commitments under Trump's 20-point peace plan and called for the organization to disarm before reconstruction efforts can begin.

“Israel had hoped that Hamas would fulfill its commitment to disarm, agree to the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, relinquish control, and begin the process of deradicalization in Gaza,” the statement said. “However, to date, Hamas has not surrendered even a single weapon and continues to hold the people of Gaza hostage under its terrorist rule.”

The message, directed at the United States and the Board of Peace, emphasized Israel's commitment to implementing Trump's proposal. “The State of Israel is working in close cooperation with the United States and the Board of Peace. Israel is committed to the success of President Trump's 20-point plan,” the statement continued, stressing that the agreement requires Hamas to disarm and Gaza to be demilitarized before reconstruction begins.

Israel Accuses Hamas of Diverting Humanitarian Aid for Military Purposes

Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of systematically exploiting humanitarian assistance and civilian infrastructure to rebuild its military capabilities. According to the statement, the organization has used cement intended for housing construction to build tunnels, converted water pipes into missile launchers, and repurposed sewage pumps for rocket production. It further alleged that Hamas diverts humanitarian aid intended for Gaza residents to its military infrastructure while the United Nations and UNRWA turn a blind eye.

“Hamas has acted as it always has: lying, stealing, exploiting, and rearming,” the statement declared. The Prime Minister's Office warned that Hamas's continued control of Gaza poses a shared challenge for Israel and the Board of Peace, arguing that the organization will exploit materials with both civilian and military applications to strengthen its rule and expand its weapons arsenal.

Israel Details Winter Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza

Despite accusing Hamas of violating its commitments, Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israel has continued allowing additional humanitarian supplies into Gaza to help residents cope with winter conditions. According to the statement, Israel has advanced a winter preparedness initiative through the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), in coordination with the Board of Peace, the United Nations, international humanitarian organizations, and donor countries.

The initiative includes more than 91,000 tents and over 8,200 truckloads of tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing, and other essential supplies. It also includes 12 sewage pumping trucks, repairs to water and sewage infrastructure, and fuel deliveries to operate pumping facilities. “Israel will continue supporting winter preparedness efforts in the Gaza Strip,” the statement said, while warning that Hamas must not be permitted to exploit humanitarian supplies to rebuild its military capabilities.

Netanyahu Urges Mediators to Demand Immediate Disarmament

Concluding the statement, Netanyahu's office placed responsibility for the suffering of Gaza residents on Hamas, accusing the organization of exploiting the humanitarian crisis to shift blame onto Israel. “Hamas is solely responsible for the suffering of the people of Gaza, and it is now cynically exploiting that suffering to once again blame Israel,” the statement said.

The statement reiterated Israel's position that Hamas initiated the war through its October 7 attack and that its continued refusal to disarm remains the principal obstacle to rebuilding the Gaza Strip. Israel called on international mediators to demand the immediate disarmament of Hamas throughout Gaza, arguing that this step is essential to implementing President Trump's 20-point peace plan and moving forward with reconstruction.