Hamas refuses to disarm, demands Board of Peace change Gaza ceasefire plan
The Jerusalem Post • • world
Key Points:
- Hamas has rejected the US-led Board of Peace's disarmament plan and requested modifications, according to a source cited by The Jerusalem Post.
- Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace's high representative, and three other mediators were present during discussions, while a senior Palestinian official accused Mladenov of pro-Israel bias.
- Hamas insists it will not engage in Phase II of ceasefire negotiations until Israel fulfills its obligations from Phase I, demanding a clear timetable from Mladenov.
- Israel claims it has met Phase I obligations by withdrawing from populated Gaza areas and increasing aid, but insists Hamas must move forward on disarmament before further progress.
- The disarmament plan, part of an October ceasefire agreement and presented last month, was rejected by Hamas and other militant groups who prioritize reconstruction over disarmament.
