Mladenov’s Gaza Gamble: Turning a Fragile Ceasefire into Lasting Peace

Nickolay Mladenov, a veteran diplomat and former UN Middle East envoy, has been named High Representative for Gaza to turn the US-brokered 20-point ceasefire into a viable peace program. He will link a technocratic Gaza committee with a White House–backed Board of Peace and must shepherd Hamas disarmament, Gaza reconstruction for two million residents, and governance acceptable to Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans. While lauded for his cross‑party trust and pragmatic approach, some Palestinians warn his ties to both Israel and Hamas could complicate an even‑handed path, underscoring risks of competing Palestinian authorities. Success hinges on political will and broad cooperation among key players.