The U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire in Gaza Faces New Challenges
The international body responsible for overseeing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza is set to request the United Nations Security Council to urge Hamas to disarm, according to a report that has come to light. This report, seen by The Associated Press, outlines the ongoing challenges in implementing the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
The Board of Peace, an international organization established by former U.S. President Donald Trump, is tasked with monitoring the fragile ceasefire. The report is expected to be discussed by the Security Council during its meeting on Thursday, focusing on the situation in the Middle East.
The report highlights that the main obstacle to the full implementation of the ceasefire remains Hamas' refusal to accept verified decommissioning, relinquish coercive control, and allow a genuine civilian transition in Gaza. However, Hamas has rejected the report, calling it "fallacies."
A diplomat familiar with the report confirmed its authenticity but requested anonymity as it has not been made public. The report emphasizes the need for progress on the ceasefire, particularly regarding the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
Trump’s Ceasefire Plan and Its Implications
Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan calls for Hamas to surrender its weapons and destroy its extensive network of tunnels. It also envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, the establishment of a new technocratic Palestinian government, the deployment of an international security force, and the rebuilding of the battered Palestinian enclave after more than two years of conflict.
The head of the Board of Peace, former U.N. Mideast envoy Nickolay Mladenov, acknowledged that the truce had stalled since it took effect in October. He stated that the deadlock over disarming Hamas has paralyzed progress. The board’s report to the Security Council says that reconstruction cannot commence where weapons have not been laid down.
Hamas Accuses the Report of Being Biased
Hamas has accused the report of trying to derail the ceasefire, claiming it contains fallacies that absolve the occupying government of its responsibilities for daily violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The group pointed out that the report ignores Israel’s failure to uphold the majority of its commitments under the ceasefire deal, including restrictions on crossings into the Palestinian territory and preventing the entry of materials needed for infrastructure and shelter.
The report calls on the Security Council to reiterate publicly, clearly, and consistently that the decommissioning of weapons in Gaza is critical for reconstruction to begin, for a time-bound Israeli forces withdrawal, and for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood to be pursued.
Ongoing Violations and Humanitarian Crisis
The report notes near-daily ceasefire violations, some of which are serious, with human consequences such as civilians killed, families living in fear, and continued impediments to humanitarian access. Despite the ceasefire, Israel’s military still carries out airstrikes in Gaza and has pushed deeper into the territory, now controlling more than it was granted under the ceasefire agreement.
Living conditions in Gaza are dire, with most of the territory’s 2 million people living in tent camps lacking basic services. Mladenov last week said his office is addressing violations by both sides on a daily basis. However, he repeatedly cited the disarmament issue as a central sticking point, stating that Hamas’ obligation to give up its arsenal is “not negotiable” and that progress on all other issues is being held up.
The Road Ahead
The Security Council endorsed the Board of Peace in a resolution in November, highlighting the importance of the organization's role in monitoring the ceasefire. However, the ongoing disputes between Hamas and Israel continue to complicate the situation, with both sides accusing each other of failing to meet their obligations.
As the situation in Gaza remains tense, the international community continues to monitor developments closely. The path to a lasting peace remains uncertain, with significant challenges ahead for all parties involved.
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