Nikolay Mladenov, a senior envoy for the Board of Peace, recently clarified the organization's stance on the conditions for an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Mladenov asserted that Israel is under no obligation to remove its forces until there is verified evidence that Palestinian groups have surrendered their weapons.

This declaration represents a notable change in Mladenov’s public messaging. Previously, the envoy had suggested that a withdrawal could occur under different terms. During the interview, Mladenov emphasized the necessity of verified steps on the ground, stating, “Nobody is required to do anything. Last of all, Israel, before we actually have verified steps on the ground.”

The comments come amid ongoing discussions regarding the security situation in the region. By linking the withdrawal of Israeli forces directly to the decommissioning of weapons held by Palestinian factions, Mladenov has set a specific prerequisite that must be met before the Board of Peace would expect a change in the current military posture. The shift in his position highlights the evolving nature of the negotiations and the specific conditions being prioritized by the envoy in his current diplomatic efforts.