Board of Peace envoy: Hamas can remain political movement if it disarms

The US-backed Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, has stated that Hamas does not need to disappear as a political movement but must disarm to become part of a future peace solution. The Bulgarian diplomat made these remarks during a visit to Jerusalem, speaking to the international press about ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the Gaza conflict.

'We are not asking Hamas to disappear as a political movement,' Mladenov said, suggesting a distinction between the organization's military and political wings. However, he emphasized that armed groups must lay down their weapons to participate in the political process. These statements signal a pragmatic approach by the Trump administration toward the Hamas question.

The envoy described the current Gaza ceasefire as functional but problematic. 'We have a ceasefire. It's holding. It's not perfect. It's far from perfect,' Mladenov explained. He acknowledged that there are 'violations every day, and some of them are very serious.' Reports indicate that more than 800 people have been killed in Gaza since the current phase began.

The diplomatic initiative is based on the so-called Trump plan for Gaza, which envisions a comprehensive reorganization of conditions in the coastal strip. The plan apparently includes deradicalization measures and requires Hamas to step back from governing Gaza. However, talks on implementation have stalled as Hamas has not been willing to agree to the demanded conditions.

Faced with deadlocked negotiations, the Board of Peace is now considering advancing the plan even without Hamas consent. Mladenov is scheduled for a second meeting within two weeks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss options for proceeding without Hamas agreement. This development suggests growing impatience among international mediators.

The Board of Peace is an institution established by the Trump administration to play a leading role in Gaza peace efforts. Mladenov serves as the High Representative of this organization and coordinates diplomatic efforts on the ground. His statements are seen as an attempt to offer Hamas a way out of military confrontation without demanding their complete political marginalization.

The distinction between military and political activities could represent a turning point in the international approach to Hamas. Previously, many Western countries and Israel have classified the organization as a whole as a terrorist group and rejected any cooperation. The new approach could enable Hamas's transformation from an armed resistance group to a purely political party.

However, many questions remain open, particularly regarding the practical implementation of such disarmament and control over Gaza. It is also unclear how Israel will react to this diplomatic initiative and whether it is prepared to accept a demilitarized Hamas as a political actor. The upcoming talks between Mladenov and Netanyahu are likely to be decisive in this regard.

The ceasefire framework appears to involve complex arrangements that would fundamentally alter the power structure in Gaza. The success of this diplomatic approach will largely depend on whether all parties can agree on the terms for Hamas's political transformation and the security arrangements that would replace the current military status quo. The international community is closely watching these developments as they could set a precedent for resolving similar conflicts elsewhere.