Baku: The Board of Peace's lead envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, announced that Israel would withdraw from the Gaza Strip contingent upon the achievement of 'verified' disarmament. This statement was made during an interview with Israel's Channel 12. The roadmap outlined by the Board of Peace aims to ensure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israeli security in the future.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mladenov emphasized that no actions, especially from Israel, would be required until verified steps are evident on the ground. He detailed that Israel's withdrawal would be triggered only after weapons in Gaza are decommissioned, removed from factions, and rendered unusable. This statement comes amidst Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of a 15-point roadmap proposed by the Board to implement the second phase of US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, asserting that withdrawal would only occur post-Hamas disarmament.
The proposed plan by Mladenov is structured around three core elements: the complete disarmament of Gaza, the transfer of governing responsibilities to the Board of Peace through a Palestinian national committee, and the deployment of an international security force to ensure the agreement's implementation. Although the roadmap issued on July 31 includes Hamas' disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal, Mladenov clarified that Israel would not need to withdraw until tangible disarmament actions are observed.
Mladenov further explained that Israel is not required to vacate its positions along the 'Yellow Line' at this time. He expressed the necessity for the IDF to maintain their positions and avoid shooting unless faced with a direct threat. The withdrawal process is designed to occur incrementally, with the Israeli army retreating as disarmament is achieved in each designated area, eventually reaching the Gaza Strip's perimeter fence.
The envoy noted that the process could be suspended if commitments are not met or if Hamas continues its military activities. Mladenov estimated that the complete destruction of tunnels in Gaza could take over a decade but mentioned potential acceleration through machinery and contractors.
Mladenov acknowledged the vital role of regional mediators such as Trkiye, Qatar, and Egypt in securing Hamas' approval of the roadmap. He added that the plan also receives backing from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, other Gulf countries, and Morocco.
Since October 2023, the Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with over 73,000 killed and more than 174,000 injured. Despite a ceasefire initiated on October 10, 2025, under the first phase of Trump's Gaza plan, Israeli attacks have persisted, causing additional casualties as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry.
The second phase of Trump's plan involves transferring Gaza's administration to a Palestinian technocratic committee, deploying an international stabilization force, ensuring weapon management by the National Committee for Gaza Administration under international oversight, alongside a phased Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction efforts.
On Sunday, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the roadmap established with mediators and the Board of Peace, progressing towards the completion of the second phase of Trump's plan for Gaza.