Netanyahu: Gaza will not be rebuilt until it is disarmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized at a press conference after the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, according to the Times of Israel, that Israel will retain security control over Gaza and the West Bank.

Netanyahu said that the priority is to dismantle Hamas and the tunnels in Gaza. He also blamed the administration of former US President Joe Biden for the deaths of Israeli soldiers as a result of restrictions on arms supplies.

He also called on Saudi Arabia not to ally itself with Qatar and Turkey if it wants to normalize relations with Israel.

While the return of Gvili's body ended the first phase of the truce, Israel faces tensions over a possible conflict with Iran. Donald Trump has launched the second phase of his plan for Gaza, which makes its reconstruction conditional on demilitarization.

The prime minister also confirmed the planned opening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The crossing will be open to approximately 50 people per day with their families, but under strict Israeli control. Access for goods will remain restricted.

(max)