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Netanyahu, Katz quietly approve Gaza reconstruction in IDF-controlled area
🇵🇸 Palestine /Disasters & Emergencies

Netanyahu, Katz quietly approve Gaza reconstruction in IDF-controlled area

From Times of Israel · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have reportedly approved reconstruction work in southern Gaza, despite previous vows that rebuilding would only occur after Hamas is disarmed.
  • The rehabilitation efforts, focused on establishing residential housing infrastructure, are taking place in an area of eastern Rafah under IDF control.
  • Netanyahu's office stated the work began months ago as part of an Emirati-backed project for temporary housing, asserting the area is cleared of terror infrastructure and tunnels.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have reportedly given a quiet go-ahead for rehabilitation work to commence in southern Gaza. This move comes despite their public vows that reconstruction of the war-torn Strip would only proceed once the Hamas terror group is disarmed, according to an Army Radio report.

I am already hearing the statements that we will allow Gaza’s reconstruction before demilitarization. That will not happen.

— Benjamin NetanyahuStating his position in January that reconstruction in Gaza would only be allowed if Hamas first gave up its weapons.

The reconstruction involves building infrastructure for residential housing and is underway in an area of eastern Rafah currently under the control of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The work is situated near the Yellow Line, which marks the frontier with Hamas-controlled territory. The report suggests that Netanyahu and Katz authorized the move two weeks prior, without public announcement, as an international stabilization force prepares to deploy in parts of Gaza.

According to the report, Gaza contractors and laborers will carry out the construction after undergoing security checks. However, the Prime Minister's Office responded by stating that the work actually began months ago. They characterized it as part of an Emirati-backed project for temporary housing, emphasizing that it is "free of Hamas rule" and that the area has been "cleared of terror infrastructure and tunnels."

As of now, the area has been cleared of terror infrastructure and tunnels.

— Prime Minister’s OfficeResponding to the report about reconstruction, asserting the security status of the area.

Netanyahu's office further clarified that electric, sewer, and water infrastructure work will not be performed by Gazans but will remain under IDF supervision. This development contrasts with Netanyahu's earlier firm stance in January, where he insisted reconstruction would only be permitted if Hamas relinquished its weapons, a condition Hamas has not met. Transportation Minister Miri Regev, however, stated that rebuilding can proceed in any Gaza area not under Hamas control, adding, "We want Gaza to recover."

We want Gaza to recover.

— Miri RegevTransportation Minister, commenting on the possibility of rebuilding work in Gaza.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Times of Israel in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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