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In a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Palestinian factions are currently reviewing a revised roadmap proposed by Nikolay Mladenov, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. The revised plan, which is based on US President Donald Trump’s long-awaited peace plan, aims to implement a phased collection and storage of weapons in the Gaza Strip, establish a unified authority, and create a national committee to administer the coastal enclave for at least two years.
According to reports, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have expressed satisfaction with the factions’ initial response, with a Hamas delegation expected to visit Cairo in the coming days to deliver a formal reply to mediators. Hamas, however, remains cautious, with spokesperson Hazem Qassem expressing skepticism about the revised proposal. Qassem stated that the revised plan deviates from understandings reached in Cairo, further accusing Nikolay Mladenov of being overly influenced by an Israeli perspective.
The revised roadmap, as reported, would entail the establishment of a national committee to oversee the administration of Gaza for a minimum of two years, during which time civilian employees would be absorbed into the committee’s structure. This committee would also be responsible for collecting and storing the remaining Hamas and other militant groups’ arsenal in the Gaza Strip, while ensuring the implementation of the principle of ‘one authority, one law, one constitution’ – a crucial aspect of a unified Palestinian government.
Hamas has long been wary of any US-backed initiatives, citing concerns over the implications of such plans on the future governance of Palestine. This latest development underscores the complexities and challenges in the ongoing peace negotiations. The international community continues to watch closely as Palestinian factions navigate this delicate situation, with a crucial test awaiting with the formal response expected from Hamas representatives following their visit to Cairo.