Why Is the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Under Threat?

Three weeks into a fragile ceasefire, tensions between Israel and Hamas are once again reaching a breaking point.

So far, 16 of the hostages slated for release in this phase have been freed by Hamas, while Israel has released 656 Palestinian prisoners. However, with rising tensions and accusations of non-compliance, the future of the exchange remains uncertain.

Ceasefire in Crisis

The current truce, mediated by international players including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, was structured to facilitate the phased exchange of hostages and prisoners while allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.

To date, Hamas has released 16 out of the 33 hostages designated for this phase, while Israel has freed 656 Palestinian prisoners from a list of nearly 2,000. However, Hamas announced a suspension of further hostage releases, claiming Israel has failed to uphold its end of the agreement.

Hamas’ Allegations Against Israel

Hamas asserts that Israel has violated the ceasefire deal in multiple ways, including:

• Opening fire on Palestinian civilians in different parts of Gaza.
• Blocking the return of displaced individuals to northern Gaza.
• Failing to allow agreed-upon humanitarian aid, including essential medical supplies and shelter materials, into the enclave.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 92 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations since the ceasefire began.

Additionally, diplomatic sources indicate that Israel has rejected requests from international organizations to provide temporary shelters in Gaza.

Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida stated, “We affirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation commits to them.” However, the group left room for negotiation, saying Israel still had time to fulfill its obligations.

Israel’s Response

Israeli officials, on the other hand, claim Hamas’ actions amount to a direct violation of the ceasefire. Defense Minister Israel Katz has labeled the hostage release delay a “complete violation of the agreement.”

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning: “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is completely defeated.”

The Israeli military has raised its alert level in southern Israel, reinforcing the region in preparation for potential escalations.

Israeli officials also condemned the physical condition of released hostages, describing their frail appearances as “shocking.” Reports suggest that the remaining captives may be in even worse health.

Trump’s Reactions

US President Donald Trump, whose administration helped mediate the ceasefire deal alongside Biden’s team, has taken a hardline stance.

Trump urged Israel to cancel the ceasefire if Hamas does not return all hostages by Saturday.

“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I would say cancel it and all bets are off—let hell break out,”

Trump told reporters. He further suggested that Israel abandon the staged approach and demand an immediate release of all captives.

Trump’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing them as a pressure tactic to expedite the hostage release, while others fear they could escalate tensions further.

What’s Next for the Ceasefire?

The future of the ceasefire remains uncertain. The agreement, structured in three phases, is still in its early stages, yet negotiations for the next steps have barely begun. With Israel slow to engage in discussions and Hamas refusing to proceed under current conditions, the window for diplomacy is rapidly closing.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to resign if Israel does not resume military operations after the first phase of the deal expires on March 1. This internal political pressure could further push Netanyahu’s government toward a return to conflict.

Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire. The UN has reported widespread destruction in northern Gaza, leaving displaced residents with few options for shelter. The need for aid, medical support, and rebuilding efforts continues to grow.

When will this war end?

The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether this ceasefire holds or collapses into renewed warfare. As both sides dig in their positions, international mediators face increasing pressure to prevent a full-scale return to hostilities. The world watches closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace and humanitarian relief.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

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