Story perspectives

Hamas Threatens Contractors, Halts UAE-Funded Gaza Rebuild

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hamas militants threatened Gaza contractors at gunpoint, the first blockage of a project approved by President Donald Trump.
Hamas barred Palestinian contractors from crossing into Israeli-controlled Rafah for the UAE-funded rebuilding effort.
The crossing had been arranged by the Israeli Defense Forces and a U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center.
Israeli officials warned the United States that renewed fighting could resume if Hamas continues to block reconstruction.

1 of 1

Story summary

Hamas militants threatened Gaza contractors at gunpoint, the first blockage of a project approved by President Donald Trump.
Hamas barred Palestinian contractors from crossing into Israeli-controlled Rafah for the UAE-funded rebuilding effort.
The crossing had been arranged by the Israeli Defense Forces and a U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center.
Israeli officials warned the United States that renewed fighting could resume if Hamas continues to block reconstruction.