Ambassador Waltz: Gaza can't rebuild while Hamas is armed

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz stressed that Gaza's reconstruction cannot move forward as long as Hamas retains the ability to reignite conflict. In remarks posted online, Waltz invoked the Security Council's own pledge, warning that without Hamas's full disarmament and demilitarization, Gaza will remain trapped in an endless cycle of emergency humanitarian aid rather than genuine rebuilding. His comments underscore the Trump administration's hardline stance that any postwar plan for Gaza must be contingent on stripping the terror group of its military capabilities, not simply funneling in aid while the threat persists. The statement reflects growing frustration among U.S. and allied officials that previous ceasefire and reconstruction efforts have failed to address Hamas's continued armed presence, leaving the territory vulnerable to renewed violence and delaying any real path to stability for Gaza's civilian population.