Hamas announced on Saturday that it had rejected Israel’s proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, just as the initial stage of the agreement was set to expire. This ceasefire had brought a temporary halt to the intense violence that has ravaged Gaza in recent weeks, leading to a fragile period of calm. However, as the deadline for the first phase approached, tensions remained high over the future of this truce.
Hazem Qassem, a spokesperson for Hamas, confirmed to Al-Araby TV that the group had rejected Israel’s “formulation” for extending the ceasefire. According to Qassem, there were no ongoing discussions regarding a second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. The statement indicates that, despite the brief respite, the future remains uncertain, with no clear path toward a more lasting peace.
The ceasefire itself had been brokered to allow for the exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The truce had also enabled much-needed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, providing relief to the residents who had suffered through weeks of intense conflict. The first phase of the deal allowed for a temporary reduction in hostilities, but both sides have shown little willingness to compromise on the longer-term issues at stake.
Israel’s rejection of Hamas’s terms for a further extension of the ceasefire highlights the deep mistrust and significant obstacles to peace between the two parties. Both Israel and Hamas continue to pursue their own strategic goals, with Israel emphasizing its need for security and Hamas demanding concessions that could improve the situation for Palestinians in Gaza.
The ceasefire extension talks have reportedly stalled, in part, due to disagreements over the terms of the truce and the conditions surrounding the release of further prisoners. While Israel has been pushing for an extended ceasefire that could allow for additional prisoner exchanges, Hamas has remained firm in its position, rejecting what it sees as an inadequate formulation of the deal.
Hamas has reiterated that there are currently no discussions in progress about a second phase of the ceasefire. The collapse of talks for an extension raises concerns that the violence, which has caused widespread destruction in Gaza and led to numerous casualties on both sides, could soon resume.
This rejection of Israel’s ceasefire proposal comes at a critical moment in the ongoing conflict. The initial ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope for a potential de-escalation in the fighting, and it was viewed by some international observers as a first step toward broader negotiations. However, without an extension or a clear framework for a longer-lasting agreement, the region may soon face a return to hostilities.
Humanitarian groups have been vocal about the need for the ceasefire to continue, emphasizing the dire conditions in Gaza. The United Nations and other international organizations have been working to deliver food, medical supplies, and other essentials to the area, but a resumption of the fighting could further exacerbate the already critical situation for Gaza’s residents.
At the same time, the political landscape in Israel adds complexity to the situation. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faces pressure both domestically and internationally regarding its handling of the conflict. While there is strong domestic support for Israel’s military operations against Hamas, there are also calls for a more measured approach that could lead to a longer-term solution to the crisis.
For its part, Hamas has framed its rejection of the ceasefire extension as a defense of Palestinian rights, calling for more significant concessions from Israel before any further agreements can be reached. The group’s leadership has emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues driving the conflict, including the blockade on Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
With the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire and no agreement on an extension, the next few days will be critical in determining whether the violence will escalate once again or if a diplomatic solution can be found. The international community continues to urge both sides to prioritize peace and work toward a more sustainable resolution to the conflict, but achieving this goal remains a distant prospect in the face of such entrenched hostility and opposing demands.
As the situation in Gaza remains fluid, the lack of progress on ceasefire talks underscores the immense challenges in reaching a durable peace in the region. Both Hamas and Israel seem unwilling to make the concessions necessary for a longer-term truce, raising concerns that the ceasefire, which brought temporary relief, may soon be replaced by a return to bloodshed.
WRITTEN BY : MR KENDRICK
