Nickolay Mladenov, the key diplomat overseeing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, emphasized on Wednesday that the ceasefire’s success is contingent upon Hamas disarming, a crucial issue that has hindered progress on various fronts, including the reconstruction of the severely damaged enclave.
As the top representative for the International Board of Peace in Gaza under President Donald Trump, Mladenov highlighted that the prolonged delay in implementing the agreement has not benefited either Israel or the Palestinians. He stressed that the phased approach to the deal has hit a standstill due to Hamas’s failure to disarm, a non-negotiable aspect, impeding advancements on crucial matters such as reconstruction, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the formation of a new Palestinian government.
Addressing foreign reporters in Jerusalem, Mladenov underlined the impossibility of building a sustainable future with armed groups controlling the streets and amassing weapons in hiding. He emphasized that the presence of militias obstructs the reconstruction efforts, warning of continued suffering and hardship in Gaza if Hamas does not comply with disarmament.
Despite Hamas agreeing to disarm as part of the ceasefire, little progress has been made in this regard, with the militant group attempting to link demilitarization to Israeli troop movements. Mladenov stressed that full implementation of the ceasefire plan is essential to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the agreed perimeter.
Acknowledging the challenging situation in Gaza, Mladenov expressed concerns over the dire conditions faced by over two million residents. He criticized Hamas for consolidating power in certain areas and hinted at a potential role for the group in postwar Gaza if it complies with disarmament while maintaining its political activities.
In light of ongoing accusations and violations exchanged between Israel and Hamas, the ceasefire’s core requirement remains the disarmament of Hamas, as outlined in Trump’s 20-point plan. The plan stipulates the dismantling of all military infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, with weapons permanently rendered inoperable.
Recent reports indicate an escalation in Israeli attacks on Gaza following the pause in joint bombings with the U.S. in Iran. The increased hostilities have resulted in casualties, prompting concerns about the ongoing conflict and the need for sustained efforts to uphold the ceasefire agreement.
