Netanyahu Approves Green Rafah Reconstruction Project in Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the launch of the Green Rafah project in eastern Rafah. This residential and infrastructure initiative aims to establish housing for Palestinians outside of Hamas control following a deal between Israel and Hamas to end a two-year conflict. The project, which involves earthworks, electrical, water, and sewer systems, will be supervised by Arkel International and is part of post-war arrangements managed by the Board of Peace.

Controversy has emerged over the labor used for the project. While some reports suggest Gazan workers undergoing Shin Bet security screenings will perform the work, the Prime Minister's Office denied these claims, stating the report "distorts the facts and republishes outdated information" and attributing the work to a pre-existing UAE pilot initiative. Simultaneously, the Board of Peace issued a contract for a separate military site in the city to house roughly 150 rotating Moroccan soldiers.

Government reactions are split. Transportation Minister Miri Regev expressed support for the recovery process in demilitarized zones. Conversely, the Israel Envelope Forum and Tzav 9 condemned the plan, arguing that any rehabilitated zone will be reclaimed by Hamas without complete demilitarization.