The Trump-led Gaza Reconstruction Board has taken its first major step by awarding the initial contract under its proposed post-war rebuilding plan, marking a significant milestone in Washington's vision for Gaza's future. The contract, reportedly awarded to Arkel International, is intended for a proposed military outpost project and is currently awaiting final approval before work can begin. The reconstruction board, chaired by US President Donald Trump with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff playing key leadership roles, says this is only the beginning of a wider reconstruction initiative aimed at reshaping Gaza's security and infrastructure. Officials have described upcoming contracts as crucial to the enclave's long-term future and stability. In a joint statement, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan and other countries accused Israel of undermining Trump's proposed Gaza roadmap through continued attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities and critical infrastructure. The coalition called for the immediate protection of civilians, unrestricted humanitarian access and renewed efforts toward a two-state solution in line with international commitments. WATCH

Fresh differences have surfaced between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of Gaza, after Netanyahu publicly rejected key elements of a US-backed proposal aimed at ending the conflict and disarming Hamas. Speaking about the negotiations, Netanyahu said Israel "did not agree" to the draft in its current form and confirmed that his government had returned the proposal with multiple objections. The comments come amid reports that the Trump administration has been pushing a framework that includes the eventual disarmament of Hamas and broader steps toward a post-war settlement in Gaza. Netanyahu indicated that Israel remains firmly committed to its own security objectives, stressing that no Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would take place before Hamas is fully disarmed. His remarks directly challenge parts of the reported peace blueprint, which envisions changes to Israel's military deployment and a phased implementation of security arrangements. WATCH