Arabic version: محادثات وقف إطلاق النار في غزة متوقفة بسبب مطالب نزع السلاح

Ceasefire negotiations in Egypt between Palestinian factions and international mediators are facing significant challenges as Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative of the “Board of Peace,” insists that not a “single bullet” should remain in Gaza. Key demands from the oversight body include the complete disarmament of Hamas, the surrender of maps detailing the group’s tunnel operations, and the relinquishment of privately held weapons by Palestinians.

According to Al Jazeera, the primary obstacle to a resolution is the handover of Palestinian weapons. Palestinian officials argue that the demand for total disarmament positions Mladenov as a facilitator for Israel’s maximalist terms.

A pivotal point in the negotiations is “Clause 8” of the October 2025 ceasefire plan, which outlines disarmament and military infrastructure management in post-war Gaza. Initially, Hamas expressed willingness to discuss the handover of its “inventory and storage of heavy weapons,” a departure from its previous stance. However, the negotiations hit a snag when Mladenov rejected Hamas’s proposed amendments and aligned with Israeli demands for dismantling the entire tunnel network operated by the Qassam Brigades.

Mladenov has emphasized that the goal is to ensure Gaza is devoid of all weapons, stating that this includes not only organized armed groups but also personal firearms held by individuals. The Palestinian factions have firmly opposed the total disarmament demand, viewing it as an attempt to undermine the peace process. They insist that any disarmament must be linked to a comprehensive political solution and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Palestinian leaders have voiced their commitment to resist pressure regarding the issue, asserting that they will not concede under threats or procrastination.