Trump's Gaza board warns Israel: 'Palestinian obligations are not enough'

At the UN Security Council, Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza of the peace board initiated by former US President Donald Trump, delivered a stark warning to Israel: fulfilling Palestinian obligations is not enough to advance the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Mladenov stressed that the plan, endorsed by the Security Council, operates on the principle of reciprocity, meaning commitments must be honored by all sides.

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The implementation (of the plan) cannot prosper with Palestinian obligations. The continuing killings and the limitations imposed by Israel continue to shape the daily perceptions of Palestinians about whether the war has ended and whether this process can really lead to recovery.

While acknowledging the continued ceasefire since January 19, 2025, Mladenov noted that its implementation is far from ideal. He highlighted that Israeli attacks persist almost daily, resulting in numerous casualties, while Hamas and other Palestinian groups have also engaged in armed actions. This volatile situation, he argued, risks undermining the hard-won progress and called for maximum restraint and adherence to commitments from all parties.

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The obligations are applicable to all parties.

The report presented by Mladenov paints a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Approximately 80% of buildings remain destroyed or damaged, over a million people are displaced and living in tents amidst the rubble, and essential services like water, education, and healthcare are severely compromised. The report indicates that 883 Gazans have died from Israeli attacks during the ceasefire period, with a total of 72,775 deaths since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.

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The attacks continue almost daily, causing dozens of fatalities, and armed actions by Hamas and other Palestinian groups have been registered.

From a regional perspective, the situation in Gaza remains a critical point of contention and a source of deep concern. The emphasis on reciprocity in the peace plan is crucial, as it underscores the need for a balanced approach to conflict resolution and reconstruction. However, the persistent cycle of violence and the slow pace of recovery highlight the immense challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. The international community's role in ensuring accountability and facilitating genuine progress remains paramount.

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All violations could jeopardize what has been built with so much effort, and this council should demand the utmost restraint and compliance with the commitments made by all parties.