The Hamas group emphasized that talks about the future of Gaza must begin with a complete cessation of Israeli “aggression”. This was conveyed after the Board of Peace, formed by United States President Donald Trump, met for the first time.
“Any political process or any arrangements discussed regarding the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people, must begin with a complete cessation of aggression, the lifting of the blockade, and the guarantee of our people’s legitimate national rights, the first and most important of which is their right to freedom and self-determination,” Hamas said in a statement, reported by the news agency. AFPFriday (20/2/2026).
The Peace Council held its inaugural session in Washington on Thursday (19/2) local time, with a number of countries pledging money and personnel to rebuild war-ravaged Gaza.
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However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Hamas must disarm before Gaza reconstruction begins.
“We agreed with our ally, the US, that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before the demilitarization of Gaza,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader did not attend the meeting in Washington, but was represented by his foreign minister, Gideon Saar.
Trump said several countries, mostly in the Gulf, had pledged more than $7 billion to rebuild the Palestinian territory.
Indonesia will send troops to Gaza and take on the role of deputy commander in the newly formed International Stabilization Force (ISF).
Head of the Army Information Service (Kadispenad) Brigadier General Donny Pramono stated that Indonesia was ready to deploy up to 1,000 soldiers to Gaza in April, and that number could increase to 8,000 by the end of June this year.
Indonesia is the first country to openly state its willingness to send troops. If realized, this amount would be one of the largest contributions to a peacekeeping mission in the world. However, the deployment of troops is still awaiting final approval from President Prabowo.
Apart from Indonesia, Trump said countries that had committed to providing troops included Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania.
Also watch the video “Sorrowful Gaza Residents Hit by Israeli Missiles: May Allah Punish You”
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(eng/ita)
