Israel: Hamas hasn't handed over a single weapon to peace council

Israel issued a sharp statement Tuesday evening in response to criticism from the International Peace Council for Gaza, operating under US President Donald Trump's plan, over the handling of recent rains and flooding in the Strip. Israel stated that Hamas has not handed over a single weapon, continues to divert humanitarian aid for military purposes, and remains the central obstacle to Gaza's reconstruction.

The Israeli statement emphasised close coordination with the United States and the peace council, and commitment to the success of Trump's 20-point plan. However, it stressed that under the plan, Hamas must disarm and Gaza must be demilitarised before reconstruction can begin.

Israel said it had hoped Hamas would honour its commitments to disarm, relinquish control of the Strip, and begin a process of de-radicalisation. But according to Israel, the organisation has not handed over a single weapon to date and continues to hold Gaza's residents under its rule.

The statement accused Hamas of systematically using materials intended for civilian purposes for military build-up. According to Israel, the organisation used cement meant for housing to build terror tunnels, turned water pipes into rocket launchers, and even used sewage pumps to manufacture rockets.

Israel further claimed that Hamas diverts humanitarian aid meant for Gaza residents to build military infrastructure, while the UN and UNRWA turn a blind eye.

Alongside the criticism, Israel stressed that despite Hamas's refusal to meet its commitments, additional humanitarian supplies have been approved for entry into Gaza to ease winter conditions.

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According to the statement, through COGAT (the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) and in coordination with the peace council, the UN, international organisations and donor countries, a winter preparedness plan has been advanced that includes more than 91,000 tents, over 8,200 trucks of tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing and additional equipment, and 12 pumping trucks for sewage removal.

In addition, the plan includes repairs to water and sewage networks and fuel supplies to operate pumping facilities. Israel made clear it will continue to support winter preparedness, but will not allow Hamas to exploit humanitarian equipment to rebuild its military capabilities.

The Israeli statement came in response to a special announcement issued by the International Peace Council for Gaza following severe rains and flooding in the Strip in recent days.

The council's statement expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation, referring to reports that the floods inundated tens of thousands of tents and temporary shelters, damaged basic property, and left many displaced families in harsh cold and distress.

The council called on the Israeli government, particularly the security establishment and COGAT, to urgently approve the entry of essential equipment for shelter, water and sanitation infrastructure, drainage and sewage removal, in accordance with commitments under the peace plan and the Sharm el-Sheikh protocol.

The statement claimed that despite steps Israel is examining, its response so far has been insufficient. Council members also argued that delays in granting approvals and implementing commitments harm humanitarian aid efforts and delay the political process of disarming Hamas and transferring governing authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

Alongside its criticism of Israel, the council also directed a demand to Hamas to cease all military activity in civilian areas and near IDF forces, lay down its weapons, and transfer governing authority in full.

At the end of its statement, the council called on the UN, international organisations and donor countries to work together to mobilise the required resources. "The time for promises without implementation has passed," the statement read.

Israel, in its statement, made clear that Hamas is responsible for the suffering of Gaza's residents, and that its continued refusal to disarm is the main obstacle to Gaza's reconstruction. Israel called on mediators to demand that Hamas disarm immediately throughout the Strip, to enable implementation of President Trump's 20-point plan.