Kathmandu— The United States will not permit the reconstruction of Gaza until Hamas fully disarms, according to President Donald Trump’s peace envoy Jared Kushner. Kushner made the statement following meetings with both Hamas officials in Cairo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that Hamas had pledged to relinquish its weapons. He emphasized a reluctance to invest further funds into an area prone to conflict without guarantees of lasting security.

Kushner Outlines Conditions for Aid

Kushner told Fox News that the US possesses a plan for rebuilding Gaza, but it will remain unimplemented until demilitarization is achieved. He explained the rationale behind this condition, stating, “Nobody wants to put more money into a place that’s gone on for so long if it’s just going to be taken over by terrorists or blown up again.” Kushner also affirmed US support for Israel's right to self-defense in the face of any immediate threats.

Conflicting Positions on Disarmament

Netanyahu previously stated that Israeli forces would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas completely disarms. However, Hamas officials maintain that an Israeli withdrawal and a cessation of “all forms of aggression” are essential preconditions for their disarmament. This creates a significant impasse in negotiations.

Devastation and Displacement in Gaza

Since October 2023, over 73,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with nearly the entire pre-war population of 2 million displaced according to reports. The United Nations estimates that at least 92% of Gaza’s housing units were either fully destroyed or damaged between October 2023 and October 2025. UN special rapporteur Balakrishnan Rajagopal has characterized this destruction as “domicide,” the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Past Redevelopment Proposals Rejected

Last year, former President Trump proposed a plan to transform Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” including potential resettlement of Palestinians. This proposal was swiftly rejected by Arab states, the European Union, and the United Nations.

The future of reconstruction in Gaza remains contingent on resolving the conflicting demands regarding disarmament and security assurances between Hamas, Israel, and the United States.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.