Gaza envoy pushes for halt to strikes as disarmament talks continue

An international peace envoy has pressed Israel to halt strikes on Gaza while negotiators try to implement a new agreement intended to disarm Hamas and move the territory towards civilian government.

The intervention matters because continued attacks and disagreement over sequencing could collapse the process before practical implementation begins. Palestinians have endured repeated displacement, while Israel says it will not withdraw until Hamas gives up its weapons and tunnels.

Nikolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace representative overseeing Gaza’s transition, held detailed talks with Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. Hamas and other Palestinian factions said they remained committed to the agreement, which links weapons decommissioning with a phased Israeli withdrawal. Egypt, Qatar and Turkey also urged compliance with the ceasefire.

The immediate result is diplomatic engagement rather than peace. Israel still has serious security concerns, Palestinian factions dispute the plan’s emphasis, and Reuters reported that 18 Palestinians were killed on Sunday. The opposing demands leave implementation highly uncertain.

The next phase must establish a verifiable sequence for stopping attacks, storing weapons and withdrawing forces before the fragile opening can produce lasting safety.