Hamas has rejected the disarmament plan of a top figure in President Donald Trump's Gaza peace efforts, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations has told the BBC.


The official accused Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza on the US-led Board of Peace, of bias towards Israel. Last month, Mladenov outlined a framework for Gaza's demilitarisation as part of the second phase of the ceasefire deal agreed by Hamas and Israel in October.


The official stated that Hamas informed regional mediators it would not engage in discussions on the second phase until Israel fully implemented the conditions of the first phase.


Israel has indicated it won't proceed without seeing progress on Hamas's disarmament.


A Hamas delegation in Cairo was scheduled to meet Egypt's intelligence chief on Tuesday before their departure.


The initial phase of Trump's peace plan led to a cessation of hostilities, secured the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and facilitated a partial Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.


In mid-January, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff announced a start to phase two of Trump's plan, but since then, a deadlock has ensued between Israel and Hamas. This second phase aims to achieve a permanent end to hostilities following the demilitarisation of Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.


Last month, Mladenov presented a detailed plan for armed groups in Gaza to decommission their weapons, linking compliance to the commencement of reconstruction following the extensive destruction caused by Israeli military actions.


This situation intensified after a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the seizure of 251 individuals as hostages.


The Hamas-run health ministry has reported over 72,330 deaths due to Israeli military action since then—757 of which occurred after a ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025.


A senior Hamas official remarked to the BBC: We are awaiting a clear timetable from Mladenov for Israel to satisfy the remaining obligations of phase one, along with guarantees stopping Israeli violations, before discussing phase two.


The official emphasized the importance of recognizing Palestinian rights to self-determination, linking weapon disarmament to a more comprehensive solution rather than temporary arrangements.


He also noted that Mladenov appeared to believe Israel would likely reject the creation of an independent Palestinian state.


During discussions, Hamas and other factions have made it clear that they will commence talks on the second phase only after a complete halt to Israeli violations and military actions.


Additionally, Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza alongside the deployment of international protection forces to support local police in safeguarding civilians.


A second Hamas official listed remaining requirements for phase one, including:



  • Completing military withdrawals

  • Reopening the Rafah crossing and others for individuals

  • Allowing adequate aid and commercial shipments

  • Enabling the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to function

  • Restoring electricity

  • Bringing in heavy machinery for rubble removal

  • Rehabilitating hospitals and operating bakeries and water facilities


It was further noted that Mladenov's perspective aligns with Israeli positions by linking several issues directly to disarmament without offering financial support for recovery, hence stalling the rehabilitation efforts—an aspect that Hamas and its factions refuse to accept.


Last month, during a UN Security Council meeting, Mladenov expressed that disarmament by armed actors would signify a crucial separation from the violent cycles that have plagued Gaza.


He concluded by saying that the situation's implications for the inhabitants of Gaza are critical: involving Israeli military withdrawal and substantial reconstruction efforts.


The ultimatum has been laid down: continue towards warfare or embark on a new path.


Netanyahu has warned Hamas of disarmament, insisting that it will occur either the easy way or the hard way.