Israel and Hamas share blame for breakdown in peace process, Board of Peace rep tells UN Security Council

During a UN Security Council briefing, Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza, attributed the stalled peace efforts to both Israel and Hamas. Mladenov stated that "ceasefires that deliver nothing visible are not sustained by patience. They are only exhausted by it." He criticized Hamas and other Gazan terror groups for not upholding their commitment to disarm and yield power, noting that "Every weapon carried, every tunnel still worked on and every convoy still obstructed, sets the process back." Mladenov also denounced Israel for continued military actions and for failing to use deconfliction mechanisms, adding, "Winter is around the corner, and Israel’s present policy on quality shelter is not acceptable."

• Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Noa Furman, countered that "Disarmament must come first," arguing that the peace plan cannot succeed while Hamas remains armed.
• Furman also disputed the UN’s characterization of Israel’s seizure of the Qalandiya Vocational Training Institute, stating UNRWA rejected an Israeli proposal for a school on the site due to "political pressure from local employees."
• U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz highlighted progress, noting the absence of hostages in Gaza and increased aid, urging the council to support the new peace framework.