Discussions on the future of Gaza must begin with a complete halt to Israeli aggression, the Palestinian group Hamas announced after US President Donald Trump’s Peace Committee met for the first time on Thursday.
– Any political process or any agreement discussed regarding the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people must begin with a complete halt to aggression, the lifting of the blockade and the guarantee of the legitimate national rights of our people, above all their right to freedom and self-determination – Hamas said in a statement.
The Trump administration met for its inaugural session in Washington on Thursday, with a number of countries pledging money and personnel to rebuild the Palestinian territories, more than four months after a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas began.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, insisted that Hamas must disarm before any reconstruction could begin.
– We agreed with our American ally that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before the demilitarization of Gaza – said Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader did not attend the meeting in Washington, but was represented by his foreign minister, Gideon Saar.
Trump said that several countries, mostly from the Gulf region, have pledged more than seven billion dollars to rebuild the territory.
Muslim-majority Indonesia will assume the role of deputy commander in the newly formed International Stabilization Force, the US commander of the unit, Major General Jasper Jeffers, said.
Trump, whose plan for Gaza was approved by the UN Security Council in November, also said five countries had pledged to contribute troops, including Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania, Reuters reported.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
