Mladenov criticizes Israel over Gaza strikes

Nickolay Mladenov, the U.S. envoy overseeing President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza, criticized Israel at the United Nations Security Council for continuing strikes on Gaza that are still killing Palestinians, albeit fewer. He insisted the 20-point plan has not stalled and has moved from the negotiating table to the engineering table. Hamas has agreed to the key provision to disarm and hand over Gaza to civilian rule, but Israel's ongoing attacks since the October ceasefire undermine the process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that forces will not withdraw until Hamas surrenders all weapons. Mladenov warned that if war resumes, there would be no roadmap to return to, calling it a point of no return. He stressed the choice between a disarmed, rebuilt Gaza and a rearmed, divided territory with a radicalized generation. The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Mike Waltz, said concerns are being addressed and Hamas' disarmament will be judged on actions. Israel's deputy U.N. ambassador, Noa Furman, reaffirmed Israel's commitment to the plan but insisted it cannot succeed while Hamas remains armed.