The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement Tuesday addressing the situation in Gaza and President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, making clear that while Israel is committed to Trump’s 20-point plan, reconstruction of the Strip cannot begin until Hamas disarms and Gaza is demilitarized.
The statement said Israel is working in close coordination with the United States and the Board of Peace and is committed to the success of the American plan. However, the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that Hamas has not yet met its commitments to disarm, relinquish control, and begin a process of de-radicalization in the Strip.
“To date, Hamas has not handed over even a single weapon, and it continues to hold Gaza’s residents hostage under its reign of terror,” the statement said.
The Prime Minister’s Office accused the terror organization of exploiting humanitarian aid to rebuild its military capabilities. According to Israel, Hamas has used cement intended for building homes to construct terror tunnels, converted water pipes into rocket launchers, and diverted sewage pumps to manufacture rockets. The statement further claimed that the organization systematically diverts humanitarian aid for military infrastructure while the UN and UNRWA turn a blind eye.
The statement stressed that Israel and the Board of Peace face a shared challenge—as long as Hamas controls the Strip, it could exploit dual-use equipment entering Gaza to strengthen militarily and expand its arsenal of weapons.
Nevertheless, the Prime Minister’s Office noted that Israel has allowed additional humanitarian supplies into the Strip to help residents cope with winter conditions. Through the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, and in coordination with the Board of Peace, the UN, international organizations, and donor countries, a winter preparedness plan has been advanced.
The plan includes more than 91,000 tents, more than 8,200 trucks carrying tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing, and additional equipment, as well as 12 pumping trucks for sewage removal. The plan also includes repair of water and sewage infrastructure and fuel supplies to operate pumping facilities.
Yesterday, the IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories released data on the scope of aid brought into Gaza ahead of winter, following Hamas claims that Israel is responsible for flooding in refugee camps. The IDF clarified that equipment entering the Strip is inspected to prevent its exploitation by Hamas for military purposes, and officials emphasized that extensive reconstruction of the Strip will not be possible as long as the terror organization does not disarm.
The Prime Minister’s Office made clear that Israel will continue to support winter preparedness in Gaza, but stressed that Hamas cannot be allowed to exploit equipment and humanitarian supplies to rebuild its military capabilities.
The statement added that Hamas bears responsibility for the suffering of the Strip’s residents, and that its continued refusal to disarm remains the main obstacle to Gaza’s reconstruction.
At the end of the statement, Israel called on mediating countries to demand that Hamas disarm immediately throughout the Gaza Strip, in order to enable implementation of President Trump’s 20-point plan.