Hamas has rejected a US-backed disarmament proposal presented by the Board of Peace and has called for modifications, a source said on Wednesday. The development marks another setback in efforts to advance the next phase of the ceasefire process.
According to the source, the Board of Peaceโs high representative, Nickolay Mladenov, along with other mediators, participated in discussions with Hamas representatives. However, disagreements over key ุดุฑูุท of the proposal prevented progress toward acceptance.
Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian official criticized Mladenov during an interview with the BBC, accusing him of pro-Israel bias. The official also claimed that Israel has not fully implemented its obligations under Phase I of the ceasefire agreement. As a result, Hamas has refused to join Phase II negotiations until those commitments are fulfilled.
Hamas officials stressed that they are awaiting a clear timetable outlining Israelโs remaining responsibilities. They argued that without such assurances, further talks would lack credibility and direction.
On the other hand, Israel maintains that it has taken steps under the initial agreement. Officials point to the withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid entering the territory. Nevertheless, Israel insists that progress in future phases depends on Hamas agreeing to disarm.
The disarmament proposal was first presented during meetings in Cairo last month following announcements regarding Phase II negotiations. Despite this, Hamas has consistently refused to give up its weapons, and other militant groups have also opposed the plan.
The latest rejection further complicates efforts to sustain the ceasefire and move negotiations forward.
