Gaza Ceasefire Hinges on Hamas Disarming, Not Disappearing, Mladenov Says
Former UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Nikolay Mladenov said that maintaining the Gaza ceasefire requires Hamas to disarm without being politically erased. Mladenov proposed a new transition plan under the framework of a 'Board of Peace'. The plan will be put to the parties for approval.
Former UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Nikolay Mladenov told Al Jazeera that a durable Gaza ceasefire is only possible if Hamas ceases to be an armed actor and is brought into the political process. Mladenov, distinguishing between 'disarmament' and 'disappearance', urged the parties to adopt a realistic framework to avoid a stalled negotiation.
Mladenov made public a transition framework known as the 'Board of Peace', prepared under the mediation of Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar. The plan foresees a phased integration of Hamas's armed wing into Palestinian security forces, while its civilian political structures would continue under the Palestinian Authority umbrella.
Israel has said the plan can only be considered once all hostages are released. Hamas officials say the disarmament condition can only be discussed within a framework that includes an end to occupation and guarantees for the future. The UN Security Council is expected to take up the plan on its October 2026 agenda.
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