GAZA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Wednesday urged Nickolay Mladenov, "high representative for Gaza" of the U.S.-led "Board of Peace," to pressure Israel to implement the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a press statement that Israel continues its daily "violations" in the Gaza Strip despite Hamas's "full" commitment to implementing the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Qassem said the movement's position was clear regarding the post-war governance arrangements, which led to the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, emphasizing that Hamas had taken all practical, field, and political steps to transfer governance to the committee.
Qassem said Mladenov should have identified the party violating the ceasefire agreement and restricting the entry of aid into Gaza, noting that the Israeli authorities were responsible.
He called on Mladenov to pressure Israel to implement the first phase of the agreement before engaging in discussions regarding the second phase.
The Hamas statement came after a press conference held by Mladenov in Jerusalem following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During the conference, Mladenov called on the political leadership governing Gaza to step down immediately. He also urged Hamas to transform into a political movement capable of participating in elections, emphasizing that the principle agreed upon by all countries regarding Palestine is "one authority, one law, and one weapon."
The meeting between Mladenov and Netanyahu comes at a time when the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is faltering, as its main provisions have yet to be implemented.
Meanwhile, Hamas leader Bassem Naim accused Mladenov of being "unworthy" of leading the transitional phase in the Gaza Strip.
In a tweet on the X platform, he said that Mladenov "is not worthy of being responsible for a single day in managing the transitional administration of our Palestinian people ... if the task is too big for you, then step down."
A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip has been in effect since Oct. 10, 2025. Its first phase included an exchange of prisoners and detainees between the two sides, the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas.
The United States announced in mid-January the start of the second phase of its proposed peace plan, which includes a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the commencement of reconstruction efforts, and the establishment of a transitional governing body in the enclave. ■
