Tensions Rise Over Gaza Ceasefire Plan
On Wednesday, Palestinians in central Gaza faced the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that damaged a food-aid warehouse in Deir al-Balah. The strike targeted a nearby house, as reported by Abdel Kareem Hana/AP.
The United Nations witnessed criticism from Nikolay Mladenov, responsible for President Trump’s ceasefire plan. He condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and warned the U.S. proposal, if ignored, could lead to another war. Addressing the U.N. Security Council, Mladenov emphasized that Trump’s 20-point plan is progressing. He asserted it’s not stalled but transitioned to implementation stages.
Mladenov noted Hamas agreed to disarm and transition Gaza to civilian rule, a key condition of the proposal. Despite last October’s ceasefire, Israeli military activity continues, impacting the Palestinian populace’s sense of safety.
Mladenov posed a critical question to the council: “Can another strike on a munitions depot prevent Hamas from rearming?” He answered, “It won’t. It only postpones disarmament and civilian governance.”
A U.S. agreement with Hamas to disarm seemed promising, aiming to resolve a conflict originated by Hamas’s deadly attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on maintaining military positions until Hamas surrenders all weapons.
During a meeting with Netanyahu and Jared Kushner, Trump’s adviser, Mladenov reviewed Israel’s concerns and identified technical hurdles remaining. Noa Furman, Israel’s deputy U.N. ambassador, affirmed support for Trump’s plan but warned success hinges on Hamas disarming.
U.S. ambassador Mike Waltz assured that questions surrounding Trump’s plan are being addressed, emphasizing judgment based on Hamas’s actions.
Mladenov cautioned against disconnect between planning and reality on the ground. He warned that resuming conflict would leave neither plans nor infrastructure to rebuild.
Mladenov made a grim prediction: “Resumed warfare means crossing a point of no return.” He urged political resolve to bridge gaps and offered a choice: “A disarmed, rebuilt Gaza or a rearmed, isolated one with impending hostilities.”
The plan suggests a viable political pathway and proposes a two-state solution for long-standing disputes. Yet Netanyahu staunchly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state.