President Donald Trump's Board of Peace is urging Israel to cease its air campaign in Gaza, contending that continued strikes threaten a U.S.-backed peace initiative. The call follows Hamas's acceptance of a proposed framework, which Israel has not fully embraced.
Israeli warplanes have continued airstrikes across Gaza over the weekend despite Hamas accepting a framework last week that would require the group to demilitarize in exchange for a broader ceasefire and political agreement, according to the Washington Examiner.
Board of Peace Director-General Nikolay Mladenov met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday to urge an immediate halt to military operations. Mladenov argued that the strikes are undermining peace prospects and worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
"The Israeli strikes have killed civilians and destroyed medical supplies that people depend on," Mladenov said Sunday.
He stated that both Israel and Hamas remain bound by the Comprehensive Plan and the Sharm El Sheikh agreement, which secured the release of remaining hostages and established the basis for ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The Board of Peace asserts that Israel is obligated to follow the framework due to commitments made at last year's Gaza peace summit.
Israeli officials have raised concerns about key aspects of the proposal, including questions about security guarantees, implementation details, and whether Hamas will comply with its obligations before Israel takes further steps.
The dispute emerges as renewed fighting has cast doubt on ceasefire prospects. While the United States and regional mediators continue diplomatic efforts, Israel has proceeded with strikes against what it describes as Hamas military targets, with Israeli leaders stating operations will continue until security objectives are met.
Hamas has indicated willingness to pursue the demilitarization framework if Israel fulfills its commitments under the agreement.
The Board of Peace has warned that further military action by either side could derail the broader peace plan and delay Gaza's reconstruction.
Israel has signaled no plans to suspend operations, maintaining that Hamas must first show full compliance before Israel considers additional concessions.