The source said the proposed plan would begin in the city of Rafah before moving, if deemed a “success”, to other areas in the southern Gaza Strip and “would take years” to complete. [Getty]
A source familiar with international discussions on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip told The New Arab on Thursday that Israel is studying a phased reconstruction plan that will span several years. The plan would be implemented only if the targeted areas are “free of any weapons” Israel describes as “illegal”.
The source said the proposed plan would begin in the city of Rafah before moving, if deemed a “success”, to other areas in the southern Gaza Strip.
However, the source stressed that this Israeli plan would take years to complete.
The source further noted that Israel expressed concerns that Donald Trump’s so-called “Peace Council” could proceed with a reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip without the complete disarmament of the Palestinian resistance armed groups like Hamas.
The source added that international companies have been asked to submit financial bids to carry out the removal of rubble from destroyed buildings across the coastal enclave under the council’s supervision.
The source acknowledged that all reconstruction plans face a key obstacle because Israel classifies a broad range of equipment and construction materials as “dual-use” items, resulting in strict security restrictions on their entry into the Gaza Strip.
Due to these Israeli restrictions, the first phase of the plan would focus on recycling rubble and extracting usable materials for use in the initial stages of reconstruction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last Sunday that Israel would not allow reconstruction of the Gaza Strip to begin before it is disarmed.
Meanwhile, Israeli reports said the “Peace Council” is moving towards beginning reconstruction in areas under the control of the Israeli occupation army without waiting for the completion of the disarmament of Hamas.
The disagreements over Gaza’s reconstruction come within the framework of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end Israel’s genocidal war.
The second phase supposedly includes expanding the area where Israeli forces will withdraw in Gaza and beginning the reconstruction process alongside the disarmament of the Palestinian factions.
Trump announced his “reconstruction” plan for Gaza on 29 September 2025, with the first phase involving an alleged ceasefire, a prisoner exchange and the entry of a limited amount of humanitarian aid.
Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here.
