The US-backed plan for Gaza rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains the “only way forward” to prevent a repeat of Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023 attack, the head of US President Donald Trump’s implementation board said on Sunday.
Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza, said the proposal offered the only path to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.
“The option we are offering today is the only way forward that ensures this tragedy does not happen again,” he said in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 television.
Mladenov said further discussions were underway and expressed hope that they would produce a positive outcome for all sides.
“I hope these discussions will lead to a positive outcome for everyone,” he said.
Netanyahu rejects Gaza proposal
Netanyahu earlier told his cabinet that he had rejected the plan, under which Hamas would surrender its weapons to a newly established Palestinian governing body while Israel would begin withdrawing from the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
Mladenov said the agreement was currently based on a commitment involving the United States, Hamas and the Board of Peace, notably without Israel being part of that commitment.
He also reiterated an assurance he had given Netanyahu last week that Israel would withdraw only after Hamas had been completely disarmed.
Israel withdrawal tied to full disarmament
Mladenov appeared to walk back earlier wording suggesting that Israel would begin a phased withdrawal from Gaza.
However, he maintained that Israel would eventually withdraw from the territory if Hamas’ disarmament could be verified.
“If there is genuine demilitarisation, Israel will withdraw from the Strip,” he said.
Mladenov said the disarmament would cover all Hamas weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles.
Israel, however, has demanded that all weapons be destroyed rather than merely handed over.
