Netanyahu approves reconstruction in parts of Gaza outside Hamas control
Work has begun in parts of eastern Rafah under IDF control, approved quietly while international forces prepared to deploy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz quietly authorized the start of reconstruction work in southern Gaza, even though Israeli officials had previously said rebuilding would begin only after Hamas was disarmed, Israeli Military Radio reported.
Reconstruction in eastern Rafah under IDF oversight
The projects — including housing infrastructure — are taking place in the eastern Rafah area that is under the control of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), but sit close to the "Yellow Line" that marks the ceasefire boundary with Hamas, local media reports say.
According to those reports, Netanyahu and Katz gave permission to begin reconstruction about two weeks ago and did not announce the decision publicly at the time, while international stabilization forces that are to assume control of parts of the territory were preparing to deploy.
A military statement says contractors and workers from Gaza will carry out the work after undergoing security vetting.
“So far, the area has been cleared of terrorist infrastructure and tunnels,” the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a message delivered to Military Radio.
The ministry also said that work on electrical, sewage and water systems will not be performed by Gaza residents but will be overseen by the IDF.
Commenting on the report, Transport Minister Miri Regev said reconstruction could begin in any part of Gaza that is not under Hamas control. Netanyahu has also stated that Israel did not agree to a plan for disarming Hamas.
Photo: EPA/MOHAMMED SABER
