Hamas Voices ‘Unease’ Over Board of Peace Comments on Gaza Disarmament and Withdrawal

Hamas voiced "unease" on Tuesday, demanding clarifications from the US-led Board of Peace concerning its statements on the Palestinian group's potential disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The Palestinian movement had previously agreed to hand over its weapons as part of a roadmap published by the Board of Peace, which also included provisions for gradual disarmament and a "phased Israeli withdrawal" from Gaza.

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The statement focused solely on the issue of weapons and failed to address the occupation's obligations, particularly those related to humanitarian aspects and Israel's commitment to halting its aggression, including aerial and artillery bombardment, gunfire, assassinations and military operations in the Gaza Strip.

However, the situation became contentious as Israel remained resistant to a pullout without verifiable disarmament by Hamas. Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Board of Peace appeared to reassure Israel, stating that the country's forces would only begin withdrawing from Gaza once Hamas had completely disarmed. This stance has caused friction.

A Hamas official criticized the statement made by Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza under the Board of Peace, after his meeting with Netanyahu. The official noted that the statement "focused solely on the issue of weapons and failed to address the occupation's obligations, particularly those related to humanitarian aspects and Israel's commitment to halting its aggression, including aerial and artillery bombardment, gunfire, assassinations and military operations in the Gaza Strip." The official spoke on condition of anonymity.

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The full responsibility lies on the Israeli side.

Another Hamas official indicated the group awaits a "clear and official response" from Mladenov regarding the "agreed-upon terms, Mladenov's position on the Israeli military escalation in Gaza, and the ongoing policy of stalling on the implementation of the agreement." Meanwhile, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, which are mediating the Gaza truce, have criticized Israel for renewed strikes in the Palestinian territory. Qatar specifically blamed Israel for delays in implementing the Trump plan for Gaza, stating, "It is clear to the international community who is obstructing the implementation of the agreement. The full responsibility lies on the Israeli side."

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Withdrawal must move in lockstep with decommissioning