Israel announced Thursday the appointment of former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov as the director-general of a US-led “Board of Peace” intended to oversee the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction. The move, confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a meeting in Jerusalem, signifies a potential step forward in implementing former President Donald Trump’s stalled Middle East peace plan. While Washington has yet to officially confirm the appointment, it is seen as crucial for transitioning beyond the initial cessation of hostilities.
Progress and Challenges in the Gaza Peace Process
Netanyahu described Mladenov as “designated” to lead the board, which aims to manage the complex implementation of the second stage of the October ceasefire agreement. This next phase involves establishing a new Palestinian government, disarming Hamas, deploying an international security force, further Israeli troop withdrawals, and rebuilding the Gaza Strip. A senior US official, speaking anonymously, corroborated that Mladenov was the Trump administration’s selection for this day-to-day administrative role.
The initial phase of the ceasefire, beginning October 10th, successfully halted significant fighting and facilitated a prisoner exchange: Hamas released hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel. However, this fragile peace has been undermined by ongoing accusations of violations from both sides.
Hamas and Disarmament Stumbling Blocks
A major obstacle to progress remains Hamas’ refusal to disarm, a key requirement of the Trump plan. Leaders from Egypt and the European Union, meeting in Cairo on Thursday, stressed the urgent need for an international stabilization force in Gaza to oversee the ceasefire. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted the severity of the situation, pointing out that Hamas’ non-compliance and restrictions on international NGOs hinder humanitarian aid access. According to Kallas, the current humanitarian situation in Gaza is unjustified.
Additionally, Hamas has not yet returned the body of an Israeli policeman who was killed during the October 7th incursion that triggered the recent conflict. This remains a contentious issue and a barrier to full implementation of the agreement.
Humanitarian Concerns and UNRWA’s Role
Meanwhile, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, warned of a potential “huge vacuum” in essential services if Israel continues to pressure the organization. Speaking in Ankara, Lazzarini emphasized that UNRWA is uniquely positioned to provide vital health, education, and social support to Palestinian refugees, due to its established presence and community trust. He was in Turkey to discuss improving humanitarian access to Gaza.
Since the ceasefire began, over 400 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes within Gaza, according to local health officials. Israel maintains that these strikes are responses to breaches of the ceasefire agreement, while Palestinian health officials report a significant number of civilian casualties. Reuters provides further coverage of the ongoing strikes.
Looking Ahead: The Board of Peace and Gaza’s Future
Trump is expected to announce the full membership of the Board of Peace later this month, with Mladenov serving as its on-the-ground representative. The success of this board hinges on overcoming the significant challenges of securing Hamas’ disarmament and ensuring consistent humanitarian access to Gaza. The international community will be closely watching the board’s formation and its ability to navigate the complex political landscape and deliver tangible improvements to the lives of Palestinians in Gaza. The situation remains volatile, and continued diplomatic efforts are crucial to prevent a resurgence of violence and foster a lasting peace. Stay informed about developments in the Gaza peace process and the role of the Board of Peace as further announcements are made.
Additional sources • AP
