Hamas rejects Gaza disarmament plan, Palestinian official says

The official tells the BBC that the armed group will not move forward with talks until Israel fully complies with its commitments.

A senior Palestinian official informed the BBC that Hamas has rejected the disarmament plan proposed by Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza on the US-led Board of Peace, accusing him of bias towards Israel. Hamas stated it will not engage in talks on the second phase of the ceasefire until Israel fully implements the terms of the first phase.

Hamas has refused to commit to the United Nations' disarmament plans, citing Israel's lack of advancement in the ceasefire deal. The refusal came during meetings in Cairo between Hamas representatives and Nickolay Mladenov, the director-general of the Board of Peace, to discuss Hamas's response to the disarmament proposal.

A source familiar with the talks between the US President's Board of Peace and senior Hamas officials stated that it will be determined this week whether Hamas will disarm as part of an agreement. Discussions are ongoing, with the possibility of military action if Hamas refuses to disarm.

Hamas has delivered its final response to a three-stage, eight-month disarmament plan. While the Gaza Peace Council and mediators push for a breakthrough, local factions reject the proposal as a red line tied to Palestinian statehood.

Hamas is expected to meet with the Board of Peace in Cairo to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which includes disarmament. However, the group has signaled it is not prepared to heed this demand unless it receives a clear commitment that Israel will implement the terms of the ceasefire's first phase.