Nikolay Mladenov, the senior representative of the Peace Council for Gaza, stated in Jerusalem that Hamas must be disarmed, but it should not be eliminated as a political force.
Speaking about the structure created by US President Donald Trump, the Bulgarian diplomat stressed that the elimination of Hamas as a political entity is not required. However, according to him, it is unacceptable for armed groups or militias with military structures, arsenals and tunnel networks to exist in parallel with a transitional Palestinian authority.
"We are not asking for Hamas to disappear as a political entity, but armed groups cannot function in parallel with a transitional Palestinian authority," Mladenov said.
He also added that the process of rebuilding the Gaza Strip will be long-term and could last for decades. According to him, the destruction is extensive, with millions of tons of debris, damage to infrastructure and an urgent need for shelter, water and sanitation for over a million residents.
