Netanyahu Insists No Gaza Reconstruction Before Demilitarisation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza, devastated by war, until Hamas has been disarmed. He made the statement as the “Peace Council” held its inaugural meeting in Washington, United States.

As reported by AFP and Al Arabiya on Friday (20/2/2026), dozens of world leaders and senior officials gathered for the council’s first meeting. The council was established after the United States, Qatar, and Egypt negotiated a ceasefire last October to end the two-year war in the Gaza Strip.

At the meeting, US President Donald Trump was expected to detail aid pledges of more than US$5 billion for Gaza, where the majority of buildings have been reduced to rubble by the conflict.

“We have agreed with our ally, the US, that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before the demilitarisation of Gaza,” Netanyahu said in a televised address at a military ceremony on Thursday (19/2) local time.

The Washington meeting was also set to discuss how to launch an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) that would ensure security in Gaza.

One of the most sensitive issues to be addressed by the council is the future of Hamas, which waged war against Israel and still holds influence in the territory.

The disarmament of the group is a key Israeli demand and a critical point in negotiations regarding the next phase of the ceasefire.

US officials, including Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, have affirmed that significant progress is being made and that Hamas is feeling pressure to surrender its weapons.

Israel has proposed sweeping restrictions, including the confiscation of personal small arms from Hamas.