United States envoy Jared Kushner announced that the Trump administration will prevent the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip until Hamas surrenders its weapons. Kushner, who is also President Trump's son-in-law, conveyed this stance following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which did not yield an agreement on a roadmap for Gaza that Hamas had previously accepted.

Kushner's declaration links the rebuilding of Gaza directly to the demilitarization of Hamas, a key Israeli security demand. This position contrasts with a US-backed plan that would have included Israeli withdrawal and an end to attacks on Gaza, contingent on Hamas disarming. However, Israel rejected this proposal earlier this month, insisting on complete demilitarization before any concessions.

In an interview with Fox News, Kushner emphasized that the US would not impede Israel's right to self-defense against perceived imminent threats. He also appeared to align with Israel's view, prioritizing Hamas's disarmament before any Israeli withdrawal. Kushner's family maintains close ties with Prime Minister Netanyahu, a factor potentially influencing his approach.

The ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. Since a "ceasefire" was implemented last year, Israel has conducted near-daily strikes, leading to at least 1,265 deaths in the enclave. The broader conflict, described by Al Jazeera as a "genocidal war on Gaza," has claimed the lives of 73,399 Palestinians since October 2023.

Earlier on the same day Kushner made his remarks, President Trump had called for an cessation of Israeli strikes, noting that Hamas had agreed to lay down its weapons. This statement from the President suggested a potential divergence from Kushner's more hardline stance on the conditions for reconstruction.

The United States has been a significant provider of military aid to Israel, offering approximately $25 billion over the past three years. Furthermore, the US has consistently defended the Netanyahu government on international platforms, including through sanctions against International Criminal Court officials investigating alleged atrocities in Gaza.

Kushner framed the proposed Gaza deal as mutually beneficial, particularly for Israel. He suggested that Hamas voluntarily relinquishing its weapons and tunnels within a 60-to-90-day period would eliminate a substantial security threat for Israel, effectively neutralizing a major concern.

Despite Kushner's pronouncements, Palestinians and Israelis have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility and fairness of the proposed Gaza plan, particularly as Kushner visited the region. The core issue of demilitarization versus Israeli concessions remains a significant hurdle in achieving a lasting resolution.