Board of Peace Envoy Stresses Hamas Disarmament as Key to Gaza Ceasefire Progress
Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for President Trump's International Board of Peace in Gaza, has emphasized that the disarmament of Hamas is crucial for the progress of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the region. Despite the ceasefire being in place for seven months, significant progress has been stalled due to Hamas's refusal to disarm. Mladenov stated that the disarmament is 'not negotiable' and is essential for the phased plan, which includes Israeli military withdrawal and rebuilding efforts in Gaza, to proceed. The current situation has left the region in a stalemate, with Israel maintaining control over more than half of Gaza. Mladenov highlighted the dire conditions for the over 2 million residents of Gaza and criticized both sides for ceasefire violations, although he noted that the ceasefire has largely prevented a return to full-scale conflict. 
