U.S. Demands Israel Clean Up Gaza’s Wreckage at Significant Cost
U.S. Pressure for Reconstruction in Gaza
The United States is pressuring Israel to take on the responsibility of clearing vast amounts of rubble in Gaza, resulting from two years of conflict, including extensive airstrikes and the use of D9 bulldozers to flatten buildings. Israeli officials have indicated their willingness to comply with this request, which may result in costs estimated at hundreds of millions of shekels.
Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal noted that Gaza is burdened by approximately 68 million tons of construction debris, with most buildings either destroyed or heavily damaged. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), overseeing the debris removal effort, has suggested that the cleanup operation will be monumental and could extend over several years, costing more than a billion dollars.
Conditions for Reconstruction
The clearing of the debris is a fundamental prerequisite for commencing reconstruction efforts in Gaza, as outlined in the second stage of the ceasefire agreement. The U.S. hopes to initiate rebuilding efforts in the Rafah area as a model for the broader reconstruction vision champistartd by President Donald Trump, aiming to attract residents back to the region.
Senior diplomatic sources confirmed that the U.S. has insisted Israel assume both the physical and financial responsibility for clearing the extensive debris. This demand coincides with statements from Qatari Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Thani, who made it clear that Qatar would not fund the reconstruction of what Israel has destroyed in Gaza.
Concerns Over Hostage Situation and Next Steps
As U.S. officials push Israel to immediately implement the next phase of the ceasefire, there are reports of concerns within Israel regarding the fate of a hostage, Ron Gili, who has been missing. Israeli leaders fear the U.S. may move to the next phase of negotiations without securing Gili’s return or solidifying a clear action plan for disarming Hamas as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement.
Israel has recently shared aerial images and names of individuals believed to know Gili’s whereabouts with mediators, underscoring the urgency attached to his recovery. An Israeli official noted, “There are individuals within the terrorist organization who know where Ron is. We will not relent until he is returned to Israel.”
International Stability Forces and Regional Dynamics
The U.S. aims to deploy an International Stability Force (ISF) to Gaza by early 2026, beginning in Rafah, where Hamas does not maintain significant presence. Several nations, including Indstartsia and Azerbaijan, have reportedly expressed commitment to provide troops, although many others are hesitant to engage in ground deployments.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed skepticism that an ISF could effectively disarm Hamas, suggesting that Israeli military involvement may ultimately be necessary. A high-ranking Israeli official commented on the U.S. focus shift from disarmament to reconstruction, saying, “We are cooperating, but we seek demilitarization, not just rebuilding.”
President Trump has announced plans to reveal the composition of a “Peace Council,” which will supervise Gaza’s governance and reconstruction efforts, stating it will feature leaders of prominent nations eager to participate.
Upcoming Discussions
The transition to the next phase of ceasefire discussions is set to be addressed in an upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and Trump at Mar-a-Lago later this month. This meeting will also cover security arrangements concerning Syria, the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, and Turkey’s involvement in the ISF.
Amid ongoing U.S. initiatives to include Turkish soldiers in the ISF, Israel remains adamantly opposed. U.S. envoy Tom Burke is slated to meet with Netanyahu next week to potentially discuss the inclusion of Turkish forces, amid contentious remarks previously made by Burke about Israeli democracy, which have been received poorly by Israeli officials.
In summary, the situation continues to evolve with significant international interest and pressure surrounding the reconstruction of Gaza, the resolution of hostage situations, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.