**Title: Board of Peace States No Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza Without Hamas Disarmament**
**Published: August 4, 2026**
The Board of Peace, a US-led organization, has declared that Israel will not withdraw its military forces from Gaza until Hamas has fully disarmed. This statement follows a meeting between Nickolay Mladenov, the Board's Director-General, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, held in West Jerusalem on August 1, 2026.
The Board of Peace was established earlier this year by former President Donald Trump to oversee the administration of Gaza following an extensive military conflict. In a recent social media post, the Board emphasized that the Israeli military's withdrawal will only occur after Hamas completes the decommissioning of all its weapons, including light and heavy arms, as well as the destruction of tunnel networks used for military purposes.
The term "Yellow Line" refers to the demarcation line behind which Israeli forces maintain their positions in Gaza. The Board of Peace reiterated its commitment to transitioning governance in the region from military rule to civilian authority, stating, "The goal is clear and is not in question: the complete decommissioning of weapons in the Strip."
Despite the Board's assertions, Hamas has expressed skepticism regarding the implementation of the disarmament deal, insisting that Israel must fulfill its obligations as part of the agreement. This tension underscores the complexities of the ongoing negotiations and the broader conflict in the region.
During the meeting, Mladenov reportedly urged Netanyahu to cease military operations in Gaza, a request that has met with resistance. Since a ceasefire was declared in October 2025, Israeli forces have conducted numerous strikes, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties. Reports indicate that over 1,200 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, with more than 36 fatalities occurring after the announcement of the disarmament deal.
The ongoing violence has drawn criticism from various international actors. Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, who played a role in mediating the disarmament agreement, jointly condemned Israel's military actions, labeling them as violations of international law, particularly in relation to civilian and healthcare facilities.
Netanyahu's office has publicly stated that the version of the disarmament agreement made available does not accurately reflect Israel's positions. Members of Netanyahu's far-right government have also voiced their discontent, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich describing the agreement as "completely different" from what had been approved by the Israeli government. Smotrich has called for an immediate re-vote on the matter.
The Israeli government has faced accusations of failing to adhere to previously established agreements and showing reluctance to make necessary concessions during negotiations. This latest development comes amid increasing pressure on Netanyahu's administration, particularly with upcoming elections that may influence the government's approach to the conflict.
Mladenov's comments regarding the need for peace efforts highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict. He emphasized that while attaining peace is difficult, it remains possible if all parties engage earnestly in the process.
As the situation continues to evolve, both the Board of Peace and Hamas await further developments, with Hamas indicating its commitment to the second phase of the ceasefire and seeking a clear response from Mladenov and the mediators involved. The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain at the forefront of international discussions, with calls for a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions.