The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas faces renewed uncertainty as both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement. The latest setback occurred after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indefinitely delayed the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, citing Hamas’ “cynical use of hostages for propaganda purposes.” Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of deliberately disrupting the ceasefire process.
The first phase of the ceasefire, intended to pave the way for a permanent end to hostilities and the rebuilding of Gaza, has been marred by multiple incidents. Israel had previously delayed opening access for Palestinians returning to northern Gaza after Hamas failed to release a female civilian hostage, Arbel Yehud. The issue was resolved when Yehud was freed in an unscheduled handover.
Hamas later accused Israel of not permitting the entry of essential supplies, including heavy machinery, tents, and caravans into Gaza, leading to another delay in the hostage exchange. Both Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump warned that full-scale war would resume if the hostages were not released as agreed. Hamas ultimately complied, releasing the hostages before the deadline.
Tensions escalated further when the body of a hostage handed over by Hamas was misidentified as Shiri Bibas, whose abduction with her two young children became a symbol of the October 7, 2023, attack. Netanyahu condemned Hamas’ actions as a “cruel and evil violation” of the agreement. The ceasefire was again salvaged after Hamas delivered Bibas’ actual body within a day.
These incidents highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and have delayed the start of the second phase of negotiations. Hamas has offered to release the remaining hostages in one go, but only if Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza and agrees to a permanent ceasefire. Israel, however, insists on Hamas’ complete disarmament, a demand Hamas has rejected.
Adding further uncertainty, Trump’s plan for Gaza has stirred debate. While the third phase of the ceasefire aims to facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction, Trump’s proposal suggests removing Palestinians from the enclave. In response, Arab states are scrambling to present an alternative plan that allows Palestinians to remain while Gaza is rebuilt.
The future governance of Gaza remains a contentious issue, with Israel, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and Arab countries offering contradictory proposals. As negotiations continue, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States face mounting pressure to ensure the successful completion of the ceasefire’s first phase, even as the risk of renewed conflict looms large.
