Hamas has rejected the disarmament plan of a top figure in President Donald Trump's Gaza peace efforts, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations has told the BBC. He accused Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza on the US-led Board of Peace, of bias towards Israel. Last month, Mladenov outlined a framework for Gaza's demilitarisation as part of the second phase of the ceasefire deal agreed by Hamas and Israel in October.
The official said Hamas told regional mediators that it would not engage in talks on the second phase until Israel fully implemented the terms of the first phase. Israel has stated it will not advance without progress on Hamas's disarmament.
A Hamas delegation in Cairo was scheduled to meet Egypt's intelligence chief before departing. The first phase of Trump's peace plan halted the war, returned all Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and initiated a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Since mid-January, deadlock has persisted between Israel and Hamas over the second phase intended to lead to a permanent end to the conflict through Gaza's disarmament and complete Israeli withdrawal. Mladenov's detailed proposal for decommissioning weapons links compliance to commencing reconstruction efforts, which Hamas disputes due to the lack of financial support and the perceived alignment of Mladenov's vision with Israeli interests.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, over 72,330 individuals have reportedly died from Israeli military actions in Gaza, including 757 since a ceasefire began. A senior Hamas official indicated that any further dialogue hinges on Israel ensuring a complete halt to all violations. Additionally, Hamas requires international protection to assist local authorities and the restoration of various services and facilities in Gaza.
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned that Hamas will face disarmament regardless of how it unfolds.
The official said Hamas told regional mediators that it would not engage in talks on the second phase until Israel fully implemented the terms of the first phase. Israel has stated it will not advance without progress on Hamas's disarmament.
A Hamas delegation in Cairo was scheduled to meet Egypt's intelligence chief before departing. The first phase of Trump's peace plan halted the war, returned all Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and initiated a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Since mid-January, deadlock has persisted between Israel and Hamas over the second phase intended to lead to a permanent end to the conflict through Gaza's disarmament and complete Israeli withdrawal. Mladenov's detailed proposal for decommissioning weapons links compliance to commencing reconstruction efforts, which Hamas disputes due to the lack of financial support and the perceived alignment of Mladenov's vision with Israeli interests.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, over 72,330 individuals have reportedly died from Israeli military actions in Gaza, including 757 since a ceasefire began. A senior Hamas official indicated that any further dialogue hinges on Israel ensuring a complete halt to all violations. Additionally, Hamas requires international protection to assist local authorities and the restoration of various services and facilities in Gaza.
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned that Hamas will face disarmament regardless of how it unfolds.
