The UN envoy for Middle East peace, who has played a central role in mediating between Israel and Hamas amid recent violence on the Gaza border, may leave his post to become the organization’s envoy to Syria, Hadashot TV news reports.
According to the report, Nickolay Mladenov is aware he is considered to be the top candidate to replace Staffan de Mistura and has expressed a desire to soon take up the position.
Quoting unnamed UN officials, the reports says Mladenov has asked to retain his current job in addition to the new post, but UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is opposed to this.
An Israeli official tells the network it would be a “pity” if Mladenov leaves for Syria.
“He has forged wonderful connections with the Israeli leadership and is attentive to our needs,” the unnamed source is quoted saying.
Mladenov has emerged as a key figure in efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has shuttled between Israel, Gaza, and Egypt to broker an agreement.
Earlier this month, a ceasefire brokered by the Egyptians and UN took effect, days after the largest flare-up between the sides since the 2014 Gaza war.
United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov, attends a press conference at the UNSCO offices in Gaza City, September 25, 2017. (Adel Hana/AP)
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