Hamas Denies Disarmament Proposal Amid Ongoing Gaza Tensions

Wed Apr 15 2026 11:31:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hamas has firmly rejected a disarmament plan proposed by US envoy Nickolay Mladenov, complicating peace negotiations in Gaza. The organization insists on Israel meeting the terms of a prior ceasefire agreement before engaging in further discussions.

In a significant development, Hamas has dismissed a disarmament plan linked to the peace negotiations led by Nickolay Mladenov, the US envoy for Gaza. The Palestinian group accused Mladenov of bias towards Israel and refused to proceed with discussions on a new peace phase until Israel fully implements existing agreements. Tensions remain high as Hamas calls for a complete cessation of Israeli military actions, while Israel demands progress on disarmament.

Hamas Denies Disarmament Proposal Amid Ongoing Gaza Tensions

Hamas has rejected the disarmament plan of a top figure in President Donald Trump's Gaza peace efforts, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations has told the BBC.

He accused Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza on the US-led Board of Peace, of bias towards Israel. Last month, Mladenov outlined a framework for Gaza's demilitarisation as part of the second phase of the ceasefire deal agreed by Hamas and Israel in October.

The official stated Hamas communicated to regional mediators that it would not engage in further talks until Israel fully implemented the terms of the initial ceasefire phase.

For its part, Israel has expressed it will not advance without tangible steps towards Hamas's disarmament.

A Hamas delegation in Cairo was scheduled to meet Egypt's intelligence chief for discussions before departing.

The first phase of Trump's peace plan halted the conflict, facilitated the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and led to a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Since mid-January, there has been a deadlock between Israel and Hamas despite announcements regarding the start of the second phase aimed at establishing a lasting resolution following Gaza's demilitarisation.

Recent communications from Mladenov proposed a detailed outline for the disarmament of Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, asserting that it was key to initiating the reconstruction of areas devastated by conflict.

This ongoing situation worsened following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and many hostages taken to Gaza.

According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli military operations have caused the deaths of over 72,330 individuals, with a significant toll since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025.

A senior Hamas official mentioned, We are waiting for Mladenov to provide a clear timetable for Israel to fulfil the remaining obligations of phase one, along with guarantees to halt Israeli violations before any discussion of phase two begins.

Hamas and other factions insist that the weapons issue cannot be addressed without a comprehensive solution ensuring the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

Additional demands from Hamas include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, alongside international protection forces to aid local police in safeguarding civilians.

Mladenov's recent remarks suggested that the disarmament of militant actors could signify a break from the long-standing cycles of violence in Gaza, emphasizing the need for Israeli military withdrawal and extensive reconstruction efforts.

Challenges persist as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas of impending disarmament actions, stating they will face it either the easy way or the hard way.