Nikolay Mladenov, the board representative overseeing President Trump’s ceasefire initiative for Gaza, delivered criticism of Israel’s continued military operations during a presentation to the U.N. Security Council. While describing the 20-point U.S. proposal as having progressed from preliminary negotiations toward implementation, Mladenov expressed concern about the gap between diplomatic efforts and conditions on the ground.
The ceasefire plan hinges on Hamas agreeing to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza to civilian authorities—a provision the militant group has reportedly accepted. However, Mladenov noted that Israeli airstrikes since a ceasefire began last October continue to result in Palestinian casualties, creating an environment where residents struggle to perceive meaningful progress toward conflict resolution. He questioned the efficacy of continued military targeting, arguing that further strikes would only delay the disarmament process rather than prevent Hamas from maintaining its organizational capacity or control structures.
The diplomatic efforts follow a recent U.S. agreement with Hamas regarding disarmament that was viewed as a significant development. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set a precondition that his military will not withdraw from current positions in Gaza until Hamas has fully surrendered its weapons. Mladenov indicated that a recent meeting with Netanyahu and Jared Kushner, Trump’s adviser, produced narrowed disagreements and identified areas requiring additional technical work to advance the proposal.
Israeli officials represented at the Security Council affirmed their commitment to Trump’s plan while reiterating that its success depends on Hamas’ verifiable disarmament. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz stated that concerns regarding the proposal are being addressed and that Hamas’ compliance will be evaluated through demonstrated actions.
Mladenov concluded with a stark warning that failure to achieve consensus carries severe consequences, framing the choice as between a rehabilitated, demilitarized Gaza or one consumed by renewed conflict and radicalization. He also noted the plan includes provisions addressing Palestinian political aspirations, though Netanyahu has expressed opposition to Palestinian statehood.
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