Mladenov: Hamas agreed to hand over control of Gaza and surrender weapons

Hamas and other Palestinian factions agreed to hand over weapons and authority over the Gaza Strip to a national committee. This was stated by the High Representative of the Peace Council for Gaza, Nikolai Mladenov, speaking on Wednesday, August 26, at the UN Security Council.

According to Mladenov, Hamas agreed to transfer both civilian and security powers to the committee. Disarmament must cover all types of weapons without exception and take place under international control. The committee will govern the Gaza Strip temporarily and will not become a permanent authority.

Mladenov noted that the implementation of the plan will depend not on predetermined deadlines, but on the parties’ fulfillment of their obligations. The withdrawal of Israeli troops is expected to be carried out in stages as disarmament is confirmed.

Mladenov also criticized ongoing Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. According to him, they interfere with the implementation of the agreement and delay the process of disarmament of Hamas.

The restoration of the sector, according to Mladenov, will begin in full after Hamas is disarmed. He warned that failure of the current plan could lead the situation to a “point of no return.”