GAZA, (PIC)
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said that Nikolay Mladenov, executive director of the Gaza Peace Board, is unfit to oversee Gaza’s transitional administration, accusing him of adopting “the position of a biased and suspicious individual.”
In a post on X on Wednesday, Naim said, “Mladenov is not worthy of being responsible for a transitional administration for our Palestinian people for even a single day,” adding, “How can someone tasked with managing complex negotiations succeed while adopting the position of a biased and questionable person?”
Addressing Mladenov directly, Naim wrote, “Gaza will not be a line on your résumé for career advancement. If the mission is bigger than you, then leave it.”
For his part, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem criticized Mladenov’s comments about “daily ceasefire violations,” arguing that speaking in general terms contradicts the reality on the ground.
Qassem said Israel is the party continuing to violate the ceasefire agreement, noting that more than 850 Palestinians have been killed as a result of these violations.
He also accused Israel of restricting humanitarian aid deliveries and moving the so-called “yellow line” farther west inside Gaza.
Qassem added that Mladenov should have explicitly identified Israeli violations, especially given what he described as Hamas and other Palestinian factions’ full commitment to the ceasefire terms as part of implementing US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
The Hamas spokesperson also said the Movement had made clear since the beginning of the war that it did not seek to be part of “the day after” arrangements in Gaza, before later agreeing to the formation of a national committee to administer the territory.
He called for accelerating the deployment of the national committee into Gaza and urged pressure on Israel to allow its members to enter and begin their work.
Qassem said Hamas had taken all field, political, and legal measures necessary to transfer governing authority to the committee, including administrative and security responsibilities inside Gaza.
He reiterated criticism of Mladenov’s statements, stressing again that Israel remains responsible for ongoing ceasefire breaches that have killed more than 850 Palestinians.
Qassem said Israel continues restricting aid deliveries and expanding the “yellow line” westward inside Gaza.
He added that the second phase of the agreement includes introducing the national committee and international forces, an Israeli withdrawal, and discussions regarding Palestinian weapons.
According to Qassem, Hamas has dealt positively with proposals presented by mediators concerning arrangements for the second phase.
Earlier Wednesday, Mladenov said the Gaza Peace Board is focused on securing a future for Palestinians in Gaza while acknowledging ongoing ceasefire violations and civilian deaths.
He also confirmed holding talks with Netanyahu as part of efforts to advance humanitarian and political discussions concerning Gaza.