Hamas to blame for lack of progress on phase two of ceasefire, Board of Peace report says
Hamas to Blame for Lack of Progress on Phase Two of Ceasefire, Board of Peace Report Says
Hamas to blame for lack of progress – The Board of Peace initiative, launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump in January, has issued its first report to the UN Security Council, asserting that Hamas is the primary barrier to advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. This assessment comes as the group continues to evaluate the progress of the peace plan, which aims to end the conflict in the Palestinian territory and begin its reconstruction following the devastating Israel-Hamas war. The report criticises Hamas for its persistent defiance, highlighting the challenges posed by the group’s refusal to fully disarm, relinquish control over the region, and allow a peaceful transition for civilians.
Key Findings of the Board’s First Report
According to a copy of the report obtained by the AFP news agency, the Board concluded that Hamas’ actions have hindered the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. The findings stress that the group’s “refusal to accept verified decommissioning, relinquish coercive control, and permit a genuine civilian transition in Gaza” remains the central issue. This has led to ongoing disruptions in the peace process, despite initial optimism following the October ceasefire.
“At this stage, the principal obstacle to full implementation remains Hamas’ refusal to accept verified decommissioning, relinquish coercive control and permit a genuine civilian transition in Gaza,” the report states.
The Board’s high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, is set to present the findings to the UN Security Council on Thursday. The report notes that while the necessary institutions, resources, and plans are in place to move forward, the next steps will depend on the decisions made by the involved parties. This includes the continuation of Israeli military operations and the willingness of Hamas to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Ongoing Ceasefire Violations and Their Impact
Although a ceasefire was brokered in October, Gaza remains a zone of daily violence. Israeli strikes continue, and both military forces and Hamas accuse each other of breaching the truce. The report underscores that these violations are not isolated incidents but occur “on a near daily basis,” with some cases having severe human consequences. Civilians are still being killed, families live in constant fear, and humanitarian aid efforts face repeated obstacles.
The Board warns that these breaches cannot be overlooked. They highlight the ongoing tension between the two sides, noting that the ceasefire’s effectiveness is compromised by Hamas’ resistance. The report adds that the conflict’s escalation has not only stalled reconstruction but also delayed the long-term goals of Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Origins of the Ceasefire and Peace Plan
The current ceasefire was negotiated by Trump’s administration in collaboration with Qatar and Egypt to halt two years of intense conflict in the Palestinian territory. The agreement was seen as a breakthrough, but its success hinges on the next phase, which involves Hamas’ disarmament, the gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, and the establishment of an international stabilisation force. However, the transition to this second phase has been slow, with delays attributed to Hamas’ intransigence and shifting global attention.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, Israel released the last hostages taken during the 7 October 2023 attack, in exchange for the release of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. This step was celebrated as a critical milestone, yet the process has not advanced as anticipated. The report attributes this stagnation to Hamas’ reluctance to decommission its weapons and cede power, which has left the region in a state of limbo.
International Attention and the Stalling Peace Process
While the peace process is progressing, the Board of Peace has pointed out that international focus has shifted away from Gaza. Recent geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, have diverted attention from the ongoing challenges in the region. This has allowed Hamas to maintain its grip on the territory and delay key reforms that were expected to take effect in phase two.
The report stresses that the decommissioning of Hamas’ weapons is essential for reconstruction efforts to begin. It also highlights the importance of a time-bound withdrawal of Israeli forces and the creation of a credible path toward Palestinian statehood. Without these steps, the report argues, the peace plan risks becoming a mere framework rather than a functional reality.
Challenges Ahead for the Ceasefire
Despite the efforts of the Board of Peace, the path to a lasting ceasefire remains fraught with challenges. Hamas continues to assert control over significant portions of Gaza, including more than 50% of the territory. The group’s refusal to disarm has created a stalemate, with Israeli forces reluctant to withdraw without assurances of Hamas’ compliance. The Board acknowledges that the next steps will require coordinated efforts from all parties, including the establishment of international oversight mechanisms.
The report also calls for a unified approach to address the root causes of the conflict. It suggests that the success of the peace plan depends on the ability of Hamas and Israel to work together, ensuring that the civilian population benefits from the truce. However, with Hamas’ ongoing actions and the Israeli military’s persistence, the second phase of the ceasefire appears to be in jeopardy.
As the Board prepares to present its findings to the UN Security Council, the international community is urged to remain vigilant. The report serves as a reminder that the peace process is not yet secure, and that the decisions made in the coming weeks will determine whether the ceasefire can be fully implemented. The stakes are high, with the potential for renewed violence if progress continues to stall.
