Jerusalem: Israel has called for the immediate disarmament of Hamas, saying the group's refusal to surrender its weapons remains the principal obstacle to reconstruction in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office reiterated its support for US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, under which Hamas must disarm and the enclave must be demilitarised before rebuilding begins.
In an official statement posted on X titled "Statement on Gaza and the Board of Peace", the Prime Minister's Office said Israel was working closely with the United States and the Board of Peace to implement the plan.
"The State of Israel is working in close cooperation with the United States and the Board of Peace. Israel is committed to the success of President Trump's 20-point plan. Under the plan, Hamas must disarm and Gaza must be demilitarised before reconstruction begins," the statement said.
The Israeli government accused Hamas of failing to honour commitments to disarm, demilitarise, relinquish control of governance, and begin what it described as the deradicalisation of Gaza.
"To date, Hamas has not surrendered a single weapon, and it continues to hold the people of Gaza hostage to its terrorist rule," the statement said.
The Prime Minister's Office also accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian supplies and materials intended for civilian use to strengthen its military infrastructure. It alleged that cement meant for homes had been used to construct tunnels, water pipes had been converted into missile launchers and sanitation pumps had been used to manufacture rockets.
"Israel and the Board of Peace face a common challenge. As long as Hamas remains in power, it will use every dual-use item entering Gaza to entrench its terror regime and expand its military arsenal," the statement added.
Alongside its demands for Hamas to disarm, Israel said it had facilitated additional humanitarian supplies to Gaza to help civilians cope with harsh winter conditions.
The Prime Minister's Office said the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) had coordinated a winterisation plan with the Board of Peace, the United Nations, international organisations and donor countries.
According to the statement, the measures include more than 91,000 tents and over 8,200 trucks carrying tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing and other supplies.
The package also includes 12 vacuum trucks to remove sewage, repairs to water and sewage networks, and fuel to operate pumping facilities.
"Israel will continue to support winter preparedness in Gaza. Hamas must not be allowed to exploit humanitarian supplies and equipment to rebuild its terror capabilities," the statement said.
The Israeli government urged regional and international mediators to press Hamas to disarm throughout Gaza, arguing that reconstruction could not proceed while the group retained control and military capabilities.
It also blamed Hamas for the suffering of Gaza's population, referring to the October 7 attack on Israel as the beginning of the war.
Separately, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has reportedly chosen Gadi Eisenkot, a political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to form a new government following last month's elections, Al Jazeera reported.
Eisenkot has opposed Netanyahu's continued leadership as a caretaker prime minister during wartime and outlined a four-pillar framework for an emergency administration.
The proposed framework includes recognising Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding the country's Declaration of Independence, introducing universal national and military conscription, and dismantling the military and political wings of Hamas.