JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday there would be no reconstruction of war-shattered Gaza before the disarmament of Hamas, as the “Board of Peace” convened for its inaugural meeting in Washington.

Around two dozen world leaders and senior officials met for the first meeting of the board, which was set up after the United States, Qatar and Egypt negotiated a ceasefire in October to halt two years of war in the Gaza Strip.

“We agreed with our ally the US there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before the demilitarisation of Gaza,” Netanyahu said during a televised speech at a military ceremony on Thursday.

The meeting in Washington will also look at how to launch the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) that will ensure security in Gaza. One of the most sensitive issues before the board is the future of Hamas, which fought the war with Israel and still exerts influence in the territory.

Disarmament of the group is a central Israeli demand and a key point in negotiations over the ceasefire’s next stage.

US officials including Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s friend and roving negotiator, have insisted that solid progress is being made and that Hamas is feeling pressure to give up weapons.

Israel has suggested sweeping restrictions, including seizing small personal rifles from Hamas. It remains unclear whether, or how, the Palestinian technocratic committee formed to handle day-to-day governance of Gaza will address the issue of demilitarisation.

The 15-member National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will operate under the supervision of the “Board of Peace”, and its head, Ali Shaath, is attending the meeting in Washington on Thursday.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2026