Malaysia will not join US-backed Board of Peace, will monitor actions over Palestinian rights

US officials and representatives of the Board of Peace are set to begin a field survey and mapping operation in Gaza to pinpoint suitable sites for Hamas to surrender their weapons, as outlined in President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan. Israeli defense officials have expressed bewilderment over the American strategy for rebuilding Gaza after the conflict, specifically regarding Washington's eagerness to hasten processes that seem to diverge from the situation on the ground.

Security sources familiar with the details of the regional process note a significant discrepancy between Hamas's actions and US intentions for advancing reconstruction in exchange for weapon surrender. According to original Hamas demands, the group would have been willing to hand over its weapons to a neutral party that would secure them within Gaza, contingent upon commitments for reconstruction and Israeli withdrawal.

However, two months ago, Hamas was still attempting to present a facade of disarmament willingness, whereas now it is focusing its efforts on preparing for renewed conflict. Military officials confirm that the Gaza Strip is currently more predisposed to escalation than reconstruction, citing Hamas's military wing's rebuilding efforts, troop strengthening, provocations against IDF troops along the Yellow Line, and intelligence warnings of anticipated terrorist attacks, including those possibly targeting Israel's upcoming elections.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) have conducted an average of two to three targeted operations per day against Hamas operatives and commanders in Gaza, with some of the targeted individuals involved in the October 7 attacks or currently plotting further assaults or crossing the Yellow Line. Security officials assert that Israel will resist any reconstruction efforts unless Hamas is effectively disarmed and the Gaza Strip is fully demilitarized, including the elimination of terrorist infrastructure, weapons, and personnel.