Israel Rejects Funding for Gaza Reconstruction Through the ‘World Council’

Israel has no intention of allocating funds for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip through the ‘World Council’, led by Donald Trump. This was stated by Zeev Elkin, a representative of the Israeli Ministry of Finance, in an interview with radio Kan.

According to him, Jerusalem has no grounds for financing the region’s reconstruction, as terrorists attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of over 1200 people. The government’s position is clear: the financial burden should fall on international donors, while Israel maintains its right of veto.

During his presidency, Trump relieved Israel of membership fees and participation in the council’s operational expenses. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have already contributed over $1 billion each to the fund. This decision helped Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reduce criticism within his coalition regarding joint participation in the organization with Qatar and Turkey.

In total, the ‘World Council’ has raised $17 billion, of which $10 billion came from the United States. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Whitcoff, announced plans for a complete clearing of the rubble and the construction of new infrastructure in Gaza. However, work will only begin after the complete disarmament of Hamas, which is a primary condition currently rejected by the group’s leaders Khaled Mashal and Musa Abu Marzouk.