The lead envoy for the Board of Peace has expressed cautious optimism that an agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza can be reached, while warning that negotiations remain difficult and time-sensitive.
In an interview with Reuters during a visit to Brussels on April 20, envoy Nickolay Mladenov said recent discussions with Hamas had been “serious” but challenging. He noted that while progress is being made, a final arrangement will take time.
“I’m fairly optimistic that we will be able to come up with an arrangement that works for all sides and, most importantly, works for the people in Gaza,” Mladenov said.
The peace framework, first proposed by US President Donald Trump in September, envisions a post-war governance structure for Gaza overseen by the Board of Peace. The plan includes Israeli troop withdrawal, reconstruction efforts, and the disarmament of Hamas following a ceasefire agreement reached in October.
However, Hamas’ disarmament remains a major sticking point in ongoing negotiations aimed at solidifying the ceasefire and ending years of conflict in the Palestinian territory, much of which has been left heavily damaged by war.
Mladenov warned that momentum could be lost if talks drag on too long, suggesting that a breakthrough must be reached within “days, maximum a couple of weeks” to avoid further delays.
He said discussions are also focused on practical issues on the ground, including border control arrangements such as the so-called “yellow line,” which marks areas currently under Israeli control, as well as access for humanitarian aid and medical supplies.
Another key issue under negotiation is the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, where gradual increases in the movement of people and goods are being explored as part of trust-building measures.
The envoy also stressed that funding pledged to the initiative remains available, noting that financial commitments made to the Board of Peace are intact and that no funding shortfall is currently affecting operations.
Efforts continue as mediators attempt to balance security arrangements, governance structures and humanitarian access in hopes of securing a long-term framework for stability in Gaza.
