Gaza disarmament deal — Peace envoy Nikolay Mladenov and his delegation met with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to advocate for an immediate halt to Israeli strikes on Gaza, as negotiations continue over a proposed disarmament agreement with Hamas. Mladenov, who serves as the high representative for Gaza, is leading efforts to secure a deal that would see Hamas relinquish its weapons in exchange for security guarantees and potential easing of restrictions on the territory.

The meeting took place as violence in Gaza has escalated, with Israeli military operations targeting sites linked to Hamas. According to sources familiar with the talks, Mladenov and his team are urging Israeli authorities to suspend military actions to create space for diplomatic progress. The envoy’s approach focuses on building trust between the parties, emphasizing that continued strikes risk undermining fragile negotiations.

Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls Gaza, is reportedly considering the terms of the disarmament proposal. However, the ongoing Israeli strikes have complicated the process, with some officials warning that further escalation could derail the agreement entirely. Mladenov’s team is working to keep both sides engaged, stressing the potential benefits of a peaceful resolution for the broader region.

The international community is closely watching the outcome of these talks, as the Gaza conflict has long been a flashpoint in Middle Eastern politics. Any breakthrough on disarmament could have significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.