Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza following a truce with Iran, with the majority of these strikes targeting areas under Hamas control. Reuters reported continued shelling, drone strikes, and gunfire near the armistice line, leading to casualties among both militants and civilians. This intensification of attacks occurs seven months after a ceasefire was established.
Nickolay Mladenov, director-general of the Board of Peace, stated that the "door to Gaza's future is still closed" despite the ceasefire. Mladenov, who met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu one day ago, acknowledged that the ceasefire "is not perfect" and is violated daily. These violations, he noted, result in ongoing civilian deaths and families living in fear. Humanitarian access and the daily lives of many Palestinians continue to be affected by delays and restrictions, according to Mladenov.
Imperial Enforcement Continues
Mladenov's statements outlined a framework for Gaza's future, demanding that the "political leadership currently managing Gaza" step aside. This demand is presented as a requirement of a Security Council decision and a "20-point plan." For those who respect the law and carry out their work, Mladenov indicated there is "room in the new structure." However, for those unable to accept this framework, the plan offers "safe passage to third-world countries."
The director-general clarified that the Board of Peace is not asking Hamas to disappear as a political movement. He stated that Hamas, as a political movement or party that renounces armed activity, could participate in Palestinian national elections, a possibility preserved by the proposed roadmap. However, Mladenov emphasized that the existence of "armed factions or militias with their own command and control structures, with their own weapon caches or tunnel networks" is "not negotiable" alongside the transition to Palestinian Authority rule. This condition is described as a "necessary condition of the process," rather than a political demand.
The Illusion of Peace and Reconstruction
Reconstruction planning for Gaza is reportedly in an advanced stage, with work proceeding sector by sector. Mladenov stated that plans are being published, coordination with donors is underway, and readiness exists to begin once conditions allow. Forecasts suggest that "tens of thousands of jobs in the public sector will be created during the first phase" of this reconstruction. The entry of a "technocratic government," officially termed the National Committee, into Gaza is presented by Mladenov not as coercion, but as offering Palestinians a "real choice" for the first time in a long time. The National Committee is prepared to enter, govern, and protect wherever coercion is removed and conditions are deemed right.
This framework for Gaza's future is being imposed while Israel's military operations continue at a relentless pace. Reuters reported that since March, Israel has joined the United States in bombing Iran, indicating a broader regional projection of military power. The Jerusalem Post also reported that the Board of Peace chief reiterated the closure of Gaza's future despite the ceasefire, following his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu.