Nikolay Mladenov urges Israel to adopt Gaza peace plan

Nikolay Mladenov, the High Representative of the US-administered Board of Peace, has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for rejecting a 15-point peace plan for the Gaza Strip. Mladenov stated that the plan is the “only way” to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East.

The proposed roadmap focuses on the gradual disarmament of Hamas and a step-by-step withdrawal of Israeli forces to a designated “yellow line” following international verification of weapon handovers. The plan also envisions transferring the daily administration of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic commission under international supervision.

Despite Netanyahu’s public skepticism, reports indicate that Israel is secretly cooperating with the Board of Peace. Following a meeting between Mladenov and Netanyahu, Israeli strikes in the enclave reportedly ceased, and the Israel Defense Forces have begun a gradual withdrawal toward the “yellow line.” The White House has maintained a moderate tone, suggesting that Netanyahu’s rhetoric may be driven by domestic political needs ahead of Israeli parliamentary elections, provided that practical strategic requirements are met on the ground.