Nickolay Mladenov Accuses Israel of Jeopardizing Gaza Cease-fire

High Representative for Gaza Nickolay Mladenov accused the Israeli government of jeopardizing a cease-fire and a U.S.-backed plan to disarm Hamas during a speech before the United Nations Security Council. Mladenov argued that ongoing Israeli strikes on Hamas targets do not change the status quo and only delay the demilitarization of the region.

The Board of Peace, an international body established by the Trump administration, recently brokered a deal requiring armed groups in Gaza to disarm in exchange for a halt in Israeli attacks. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the plan and ordered renewed strikes. Mladenov maintained that while Israel is undermining the process, Hamas must still fulfill its commitments to dismantle tunnel networks and halt military activity.

Tensions escalated following a meeting in Jerusalem between Israeli officials and Board of Peace representatives, including Jared Kushner. Shortly after the meeting, an Israeli strike on a seaside cafe in Gaza City killed at least seven people.