ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Hamas on Thursday responded to the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington and its ensuing revelations about the ongoing peace plan for Gaza, insisting that Israel halts its military operations and lifts restrictions on the war-stricken Palestinian territory.

In a statement issued after the first meeting of the US President Donald Trump-backed board, the group said no political process concerning Gaza should proceed without ending what it described as “aggression,” removing the blockade, and guaranteeing Palestinians’ right to freedom and self-determination.

"Any political process or any arrangement under discussion concerning the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people must start with the total halt of aggression, the lifting of the blockade, and the guarantee of our people's legitimate national rights, first and foremost their right to freedom and self-determination," said the Palestinian militant group.

The remarks came as Trump’s board met in Washington for its inaugural session. Several countries pledged financial support and personnel to help rebuild Gaza, more than four months into a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Trump said commitments, largely from Gulf nations, had surpassed $7 billion for reconstruction efforts in the war-damaged territory.

However, sharp differences remain over the conditions for rebuilding.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said reconstruction cannot begin unless Hamas disarms. He said Israel and the United States had agreed there would be no rebuilding of Gaza before its demilitarization.

Netanyahu did not attend the Washington meeting but was represented by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Officials at the meeting also outlined plans for a proposed International Stabilization Force aimed at supporting security in Gaza. Indonesia is expected to serve as deputy commander of the force, according to its American chief, Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers. Trump said five countries, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania among them, have committed to contributing troops.

Trump’s broader Gaza plan received backing from the UN Security Council in November. The latest diplomatic effort underscores ongoing international attempts to shape Gaza’s political and security future as the ceasefire holds but remains uncertain.