Hamas has rejected the disarmament plan proposed by Nickolay Mladenov, a senior US official overseeing peace efforts in Gaza, according to a high-ranking Palestinian source who spoke to the BBC.
Accusing Mladenov of bias in favor of Israel, the official stated that Hamas would not consider negotiations regarding the disarmament phase until Israel fully complies with the terms of the initial phase of the ceasefire established in October.
Israel has asserted that it will not advance negotiations without significant progress made toward the disarmament of Hamas.
The proposal outlined by Mladenov emerged as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement following a series of violent escalations. A Hamas delegation is expected to confer with Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo shortly.
The first phase of the peace plan facilitated a temporary cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
This denial from Hamas follows a frustrating stalemate that has persisted in discussions about the second phase, which aims for a permanent resolution to the conflict through Gaza's demilitarization.
Despite the ceasefire officially taking effect in October, many challenges remain unresolved, including the comprehensive restoration of infrastructure and humanitarian aid entry into Gaza, which Hamas argues should be prioritized before they agree to disarmament.
The current crisis has its roots in violent confrontations that commenced on October 7, 2023, leading to thousands of casualties as Israeli military operations responded to the assaults initiated by Hamas.
A senior official from Hamas underscored the group's position, stressing the demand for a complete halt to Israeli military actions and violations, and underscoring the need for a timeline from Mladenov regarding the realization of obligations from phase one before any advancement to phase two discussions can occur.
Moreover, the official remarked that any dialogue concerning weapons disarmament must also align with broader issues of Palestinian self-determination beyond tactical disarmament arrangements.
As negotiations progress, the demand for a full Israeli military withdrawal, alongside the establishment of international protections for civilians in Gaza, remains at the forefront of Hamas’s demands.
Hamas has delineated the requirements for concluding the first phase, which includes lifting the blockade on the Rafah crossing, ensuring more humanitarian aid facilitates, and restoring essential services across Gaza.
If the stalemate continues, the path remains unclear, with significant risks of renewed conflict hanging over the region, as reiterated by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's ultimatum regarding disarmament methods.
