The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is teetering as new conditions and unmet expectations threaten to unravel the agreement. The ceasefire, which was structured to occur in three phases, aimed to bring an end to hostilities, facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and secure the release of hostages and prisoners. The initial phase commenced on January 19, yet subsequent phases remain contentious, with critical elements unfulfilled.
The first phase of the ceasefire saw some progress, including the release of hostages and prisoners. Hamas released 38 hostages over a span of 39 days, while Israel reciprocated by releasing 1,737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 120 women and children. Despite these actions, significant challenges persist. Fifty-nine hostages remain in Gaza following the return of four bodies last week.
The second phase was intended to solidify a lasting peace, encompassing a commitment to permanently end the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of all living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the details of this phase, intended to be ironed out during the first stage, remain unresolved. Tensions have escalated as Israel continues to fire on Palestinians it claims are violating the truce or posing threats to its troops.
Israel's recent decision to block humanitarian aid into Gaza has further complicated the situation. This action followed Hamas's rejection of a new proposal to extend the ceasefire without guarantees of ending the conflict or withdrawing Israeli forces. The proposal, presented by US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, sought to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover but fell short of addressing core issues.
“Israel has negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration to ensure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists. We will support their decision on next steps given Hamas has indicated it’s no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire,” – Hughes
The international community expressed concern over the stalled negotiations and humanitarian implications. Egypt voiced its disapproval of using humanitarian aid as leverage in political negotiations.
“unequivocally rejects the politicization of humanitarian aid and its exploitation as a tool of blackmail” – Egypt
Qatar echoed similar sentiments, condemning the use of food as a weapon.
“categorically rejects the use of food as war weapon and starvation of civilians” – Qatar
The United Nations also raised alarms over Israel's decision to halt aid deliveries to Gaza.
“Israel’s decision to halt aid into Gaza is alarming” – Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (OCHA)
Amidst these developments, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the original agreement and expressed readiness to negotiate the second phase.
“We reaffirm our commitment to implementing the signed agreement in its three stages, and we have repeatedly announced our readiness to begin negotiations for the second stage of the agreement” – Hamas
The White House National Security Council emphasized the necessity for humanitarian access and maintaining the ceasefire.
“International humanitarian law is clear: We must be allowed access to deliver vital lifesaving aid” – Brian Hughes, White House National Security Council spokesperson
“the ceasefire must hold” – Brian Hughes, White House National Security Council spokesperson
The fate of dozens of Israeli hostages and tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza hangs in the balance. As both sides grapple with unmet conditions and new proposals, there is growing uncertainty about whether a lasting peace can be achieved.
