US pushes Israel to start Gaza reconstruction while Hamas resists disarmament

The Trump administration is reportedly urging Israel to permit large‑scale reconstruction work in parts of the Gaza Strip even though Hamas has not agreed to fully disarm. A memorandum presented to Israeli officials calls for the rebuilding of infrastructure, water and electricity systems, the establishment of a headquarters for a technocratic Gaza administration, and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force, while also asking Israel to treat the U.S.–backed Peace Council as the governing authority in designated zones.

At the same time, Hamas leader Khalil al‑Hayya has adopted a tougher stance on disarmament after talks with senior Trump adviser Aryeh Lightstone. Negotiators are debating what constitutes heavy versus light weapons under the Board of Peace’s plan, and officials said a resolution could be reached within “a matter of days, maximum a couple of weeks,” though Hamas officials have warned that “in practice it looks much closer to a no.”