Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzouk claims a Security Council mandate for Gaza’s reconstruction and insists Israel should bear full financial responsibility — a charge rejected by Jerusalem.
Musa Abu Marzouk, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau abroad, publicly asserted that a United Nations Security Council decision mandates the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip — and insisted that “Israel is primarily responsible for the destruction of the Strip and must bear all the costs of rebuilding the Strip.”
Jerusalem and Israel’s supporters reject that sweeping claim as legally and morally bankrupt. Israel points out that Hamas fought this war from inside populated areas, placed military assets among civilians, and deliberately used civilians as shields — actions which, critics argue, make Hamas principally responsible for the devastation in Gaza. From the Israeli perspective, rebuilding must not be a reward or a unilateral transfer of resources to the same regime that launched murderous attacks against Israeli civilians.
Pro-Israel analysts also warn against any reconstruction process that fails to ensure demilitarization, rigorous monitoring, and safeguards preventing materials and funds from being diverted to rearm terrorist infrastructure. They argue reconstruction should be conditional, routed through neutral, reputable international agencies and partner states, and designed to restore civilian life — not to rebuild terror capabilities.
Abu Marzouk’s statement underscores the broader diplomatic battle over culpability and post-war accountability: one side demands full compensation from Israel; the other demands security-first rebuilding that eliminates the risk of Gaza being transformed back into a launching pad for terror.
