'Lie': After reports of money to Hamas, senior Peace Council official tries to reassure Israel

Nikolai Mladenov, the top envoy for Gaza on behalf of the Peace Council, denies reports of a $400 million deal with Hamas, calling them a "lie." He reveals that a mechanism for monitoring violations has begun operating, and clarifies that Israel will not be required to withdraw before verified steps on the ground. The amount appears in a document, but it was not determined that it would be transferred to Hamas.

Nikolai Mladenov, the top envoy for Gaza on behalf of the Peace Council, denied today (Wednesday) reports of a $400 million financial agreement between the Peace Council and Hamas, writing that the claims are "false." According to him, the proposal was not discussed, no negotiations were conducted, and it will not be on the agenda in the future. Mladenov added that in recent days a mechanism for monitoring violations has begun operating, and any verified violation will be addressed. The claims relate to a clause in the 15-point roadmap, according to which the new government in Gaza will be able to handle commitments of up to $400 million. The amount indeed appears in the document, but it was not determined that the money would be transferred to Hamas. According to sources familiar with the details, Hamas demanded coverage of loans it took from the private sector, and the money is supposed to reach the private sector—not Hamas itself. Mladenov emphasized that Hamas will not have access to Peace Council funds, the funds are not transferred through it, and every contract undergoes checks and approvals. He reiterated the principle that Israel is not required to take irreversible steps before verified steps are taken on the ground. At the end of his remarks, he presented three alternatives for Israel: leaving Hamas in power, an Israeli return to control of the Strip, or full demilitarization and a civilian government without Hamas.