US drops Hamas disarmament demand in Gaza reconstruction shift

The United States has decided to move forward with a phased reconstruction plan for Gaza territories under Israeli control, despite Hamas retaining its weapons arsenal. The decision represents a significant shift in American policy, effectively abandoning an earlier insistence that the Palestinian militant group be disarmed as a precondition for rebuilding efforts in the devastated enclave.

Hamas leaders have been basking in reflected glory from their Iranian backers, who have made clear to Washington that any future Israeli military operations in Gaza could trigger a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global shipping lane through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. Tehran’s threat has added considerable pressure to American diplomacy in the region.

The pragmatic American shift suggests recognition that demanding full Hamas disarmament could prove an insurmountable obstacle to stabilising the territory and preventing further humanitarian catastrophe. Reconstruction efforts are expected to begin incrementally in areas currently under Israeli administration, marking a move away from what many saw as idealistic preconditions towards more achievable short-term goals.

The development underscores the complex geopolitical calculations facing the Biden administration as it attempts to balance support for Israel with broader strategic concerns in the Middle East, including managing its relationship with Iran and maintaining stability in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.