Gaza: Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza have reached an unprecedented agreement to surrender their weapons and transfer full civilian and security authority to a transitional administration recognized by the United Nations. Nikolay Mladenov, the high representative of the Gaza Peace Board, announced this significant development during a UN Security Council briefing on the implementation of the US-backed Gaza peace plan.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mladenov emphasized that this agreement marks a pivotal moment, as it is the first time that Hamas and other factions in Gaza have consented to disarm and hand over governing authority. He highlighted the potential of this move to significantly enhance the quality of life for Palestinians in Gaza and ensure enduring security for Israelis. The Gaza Peace Board's 15-point roadmap, unveiled in late July, outlines the disarmament of Hamas and other factions, the transfer of Gaza's administration to a National Committee, and a phased Israeli withdrawal.
Despite the roadmap's unveiling, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the plan earlier this month. He insists that Hamas must be entirely disarmed before any Israeli withdrawal. In response, Hamas called for international pressure on Israel to adhere to the roadmap, affirming their commitment to previous understandings facilitated by mediators and the Peace Board.
Mladenov detailed that the roadmap mandates the removal of all weapons categories in Gaza, leaving no room for ambiguity. This includes heavy weapons, production facilities, arms depots, tunnels, and personal firearms held by armed factions. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be the sole entity authorized to manage and control these weapons, with the process being performance-based and subject to verification.
He outlined three critical conditions for the process to advance: the deployment of the International Stabilization Force, the implementation of Israel's commitments under the Sharm al-Sheikh Protocol, and Hamas's adherence to its commitments. Mladenov emphasized that any use of force not addressing an imminent threat undermines the process, as does the continued presence of weapons and obstructed convoys.
Netanyahu continues to assert that Hamas's complete disarmament is a prerequisite for any Israeli withdrawal or reconstruction efforts in Gaza. His position aligns with the demands of far-right coalition partners, who oppose concessions on Gaza. As Israeli elections approach, Netanyahu faces pressure from these partners, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also demands full disarmament prior to any withdrawal.
Mladenov's remarks come amidst ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, resulting in casualties and destruction despite a ceasefire agreed upon last October. Recently, tensions escalated when Palestinian children's kites reached Israeli areas, prompting threats from Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to intensify attacks and displace residents.
On the governance front, Mladenov stated that Gaza's crisis extends beyond security and humanitarian issues, encompassing political and governance challenges. The National Committee, consisting of independent Palestinian professionals, aims to govern during the transition and restore effective administration. Mladenov stressed that the success of the transition will ultimately be determined by tangible improvements in security, services, and daily life for Palestinians.
The NCAG, established in January under Palestinian Authority official Ali Shaath, oversees civil and security affairs during the transition. The UN Security Council's Resolution 2803, adopted last November, endorses the US-backed framework for Gaza's transition, including a technocratic Palestinian administration and an interim international stabilization force.
Since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 174,000 injured, according to Palestinian figures.