Hamas Must Disarm, Not ‘Disappear’ From Gaza: Board of Peace’s Mladenov

Nickolay Mladenov, the senior diplomat overseeing the US-backed Gaza ceasefire under President Donald Trump’s International Board of Peace, has warned that reconstruction and political transition in Gaza remain paralysed because of Hamas’ refusal to disarm, even as Israeli military operations intensify across the enclave.

Speaking after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Mladenov said Hamas disarmament was “not negotiable” and central to advancing all other elements of the ceasefire plan, including Israeli troop withdrawals, reconstruction, a technocratic Palestinian government and deployment of an international security force. He nevertheless clarified that Hamas did not have to “disappear” politically if it renounced armed activity and accepted democratic participation.

The Trump-backed ceasefire framework envisions Hamas surrendering weapons and dismantling tunnels over an eight-month period in exchange for phased Israeli withdrawals and billions of dollars in reconstruction aid. However, Hamas has linked any demilitarisation to guarantees of Israeli pullbacks, expanded humanitarian access and progress toward Palestinian statehood.

Mladenov also accused Hamas of tightening its grip on Gaza by taxing civilians and obstructing temporary housing and aid projects. Hamas officials responded by accusing him of favouring Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks in Gaza have increased by 35 per cent since the April Iran ceasefire, according to conflict monitor ACLED. Israeli officials say Hamas is rebuilding military capabilities and rearming during the truce. Gaza health authorities say more than 120 Palestinians have been killed since the Iran ceasefire, while over 850 Palestinians have died since the October Gaza truce began.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents remain displaced, with humanitarian agencies warning of worsening shortages of food, water and medical care. US-led mediators are now reportedly considering a “Plan B” to begin reconstruction in areas outside Hamas control if negotiations remain deadlocked.