Board of Peace Report Blames Hamas as Gaza Death Toll Rises

Context The Board of Peace, created by former President Donald Trump, released a report to the UN Security Council accusing Hamas of refusing verified disarmament and civilian transition. Hamas rejected the claim, calling the document a justification for further Israeli escalation. Critics argue the report’s one‑sided narrative could legitimize a return to full‑scale war.

Key Facts - Since the October cease‑fire, more than 850 Palestinians have been killed. - Israeli forces have pushed the front line forward, increasing the area under direct Israeli control from the agreed 53 % to at least 60 %. - Israel has not fulfilled its pledge to allow 600 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza each day, and it continues to restrict “dual‑use” items needed for water, sanitation and rubble clearance. - Board of Peace diplomat Nickolay Mladenov told the UN that Hamas remains the “principal obstacle” because it will not accept verified decommissioning, relinquish coercive control, or enable a genuine civilian transition. - Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the report mirrors the Israeli position and seeks to legitimize further escalation. - Israeli analyst Gershon Baskin noted Hamas has shown willingness to begin disarmament, but insists any process must be matched by Israeli compliance, which he says is lacking. - The roadmap proposes a Palestinian‑led verification committee to oversee weapon collection, yet Israel blocks the committee’s entry from Egypt, fearing a power vacuum similar to Lebanon.

What It Means By attributing the stalemate chiefly to Hamas, the report risks obscuring Israel’s breaches of the cease‑fire terms, including territorial expansion and humanitarian aid shortfalls. The imbalance may embolden Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume broader military operations, citing Hamas non‑compliance while ignoring reciprocal obligations. International observers warn that without a balanced assessment, diplomatic pressure on both sides will remain uneven, reducing the likelihood of a sustainable truce.

Looking Ahead Watch for the UN Security Council’s response to the report and any shifts in Israeli policy on aid deliveries and the entry of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.