
GAZA MONITORING: New Mechanism Begins Tracking Ceasefire Violations As U.S. Gives Netanyahu Election ‘Space’
A new mechanism for monitoring violations in the Gaza Strip has begun operating in recent days as efforts continue to advance the U.S.-backed roadmap for Gaza and Hamas, according to Board of Peace Director-General Nikolay Mladenov.
“Every verified violation will be addressed,” Mladenov said, as the new monitoring system begins operating amid continued tensions surrounding the ceasefire.
Mladenov also strongly rejected reports suggesting that the Board of Peace had reached a financial arrangement that could provide money to Hamas. He said the council’s funds are not transferred through the terrorist organization and that contracts are vetted and approved, with payments subject to scrutiny by donor governments.
The developments come as Israel carried out an airstrike in northern Gaza following several days of relative quiet. Palestinian reports said an Israeli drone struck a tuk-tuk near the western square in Beit Lahia, leaving two people wounded, including one critically.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials told Politico that despite frustration in Washington over Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s public rejection of the 15-point Gaza plan, the Trump administration intends to give him some political flexibility ahead of Israel’s October elections.
“We recognize the complexities arising from the elections in Israel, and we are obviously going to give Bibi space to try to navigate this,” one U.S. official said.
However, Washington is reportedly seeking restraint from Israel in return, particularly regarding targeted eliminations in Gaza.
“They need to give us a little space in terms of stopping the targeted killings to allow us to try to get to the next phase,” the official said.
Senior Board of Peace officials reportedly believe that Israel is, in practice, largely adhering to the ceasefire, halting targeted eliminations and maintaining its forces along the original “yellow line,” which leaves the IDF controlling approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip.
That has continued despite Netanyahu’s public statements rejecting elements of the proposed agreement.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro suggested that Netanyahu’s immediate priority is navigating the upcoming election, leading him to publicly distance himself from the plan while quietly allowing portions of it to move forward.
According to Shapiro, the arrangement is proceeding with the tacit understanding of President Donald Trump as Washington attempts to move the Gaza process into its next stage.
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