Netanyahu: First step in Gaza is Hamas arms handover

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. envoy Jared Kushner in Jerusalem to discuss the future of Gaza, emphasizing that the first step toward reconstruction must be the handover of Hamas's weapons. An Israeli source told Channel 12 that while Israel officially doubts Hamas will disarm, the U.S. believes it's possible.

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There is nothing to rebuild before the Strip is demilitarized.

During the meeting, which also included representatives from the Board of Peace and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Israel presented information regarding Turkish funding to Hamas. The Israeli side showcased evidence that no significant disarmament process had occurred, highlighting their security concerns.

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We showed Kushner how, during this period, there has been no real disarmament process of Hamas. We also showed him information on Turkish funding to Hamas.

According to an official from the Board of Peace, there is consensus on the complete demilitarization of Gaza as a prerequisite for any Israeli withdrawal. The plan involves Hamas surrendering its weapons to the commander of the International Stabilization Force for Gaza, General Jasper Jeffers, for destruction under American supervision. This approach aims to dismantle Hamas, strip it of weapons and power, and then facilitate Israel's full withdrawal.

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There is agreement on the complete demilitarization of Gaza and only subsequently on the Israeli withdrawal.