Hamas Delays Formal Response to Board of Peace Disarmament Plan; Will Seek Amendments Citing Iran War

Hamas on March 29 had still not formally responded to the Board of Peace's eight-month phased disarmament roadmap submitted by Director General Nickolay Mladenov, with senior officials indicating the group intends to seek significant amendments rather than accept the plan as written. Key Hamas objections include the absence of a binding pathway to Palestinian statehood, the absence of guarantees that Israel would fully withdraw from Gaza, concerns about vulnerability to rival armed clans if weapons were surrendered, and suspicion that Israel would use disarmament to consolidate control rather than enable Palestinian sovereignty. Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Hamas will 'seek changes' when it formally responds. Separately, Haaretz reported that the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran is providing Hamas additional political cover to delay — with pressure on the Trump administration consumed by the Iran military campaign, Hamas perceives reduced urgency to respond. US UN Ambassador Mike Waltz reiterated on March 25 that Hamas must disarm for Gaza to be rebuilt. Phase 2 negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain suspended as of March 29.