Kathmandu— The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza is at risk of collapsing due to failures by both sides to adhere to an agreed-upon roadmap for peace, according to Nikolay Mladenov, the high representative for the Board of Peace. In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Mladenov warned that a return to war would be “devastating,” emphasizing the urgency of implementing the plan which covers reconstruction, disarmament, and international stabilization forces. The warning comes amid continued Israeli raids, attacks, and public disagreement over the roadmap’s terms.

Roadmap Implementation Stalled

Mladenov stressed that any deviation from the commitments outlined in the 15-point roadmap – initially proposed on May 21st – will negatively impact security and humanitarian conditions in Palestine, potentially leading to a renewed cycle of violence. The Board of Peace has determined deployment locations for an International Stabilization Force (ISF) within Gaza, with Morocco agreeing to participate; however, Turkiye’s involvement was vetoed by Israel. Advance elements of the ISF are expected to arrive in Gaza soon.

Financial Pledges and Reconstruction Efforts

The Board of Peace has secured pledges totaling $7 billion for reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye playing a key role in facilitating agreements with Hamas. Talks with Israel regarding increased humanitarian aid are reportedly progressing well, and there is hope that a proposed Palestinian National Committee will soon assume responsibility for civil affairs within the Gaza Strip. This committee is intended to be a non-factional authority focused on managing public services and coordinating reconstruction independently of political groups.

Contested Agreement and Ongoing Violence

Despite Hamas approving the roadmap, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected it, denying reports that his government would allow international troops into Gaza. This leaves the plan’s status contested despite assertions from the US and the Board of Peace that it remains the only viable path forward. Since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed and more than 4,300 wounded by Israeli fire, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, bringing the total death toll from Israel's war on Gaza since October 2023 to 73,438 with 174,447 wounded.

Renewed Diplomatic Efforts

Mladenov’s warning coincides with renewed diplomatic activity, including talks between Hamas political chief Khalil al-Hayya and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. US envoy Jared Kushner recently visited the region in an attempt to bridge the gap between Israel and the Board of Peace's plan, following Netanyahu’s public rejection. While Washington and Israel remain aligned on strategic goals, Israel has expressed “doubts” requiring further coordination, according to a US official.

The political viability of the roadmap remains uncertain, hinging on securing genuine Israeli buy-in despite Hamas’s approval and ongoing mediation efforts.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.