The second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza is on the verge of collapse due to disagreements between Israel and Hamas. As a mediator, Egypt has proposed a two-week extension of the first phase of the ceasefire to facilitate negotiations for the second phase.
According to Qatar's Al-Araby Al-Jadeed news outlet, the Egyptian compromise proposed the release of three living and three deceased Israeli captives during the extended period.
They also stated that an Israeli delegation would arrive in Cairo to discuss Egypt's proposed compromise and prepare “a complete vision” before a planned visit by Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy to the Middle East, to the region this week.
Previously, Israel extended its blockade of the Gaza Strip and halted all humanitarian aid and goods delivery to the Palestinian territory.
This move aims to pressure Hamas into accepting the proposal by US Envoy Witkoff to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by 42 days.
The Israeli government has declared its readiness to extend the first phase of the ceasefire until April 20, coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The first phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19 and lasted 42 days. During this time, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages. In return, Israel released over 1,700 Palestinian prisoners.
The second phase of the ceasefire deal stipulates that Hamas release dozens of the remaining captives in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from the strip and a lasting ceasefire.
However, Israel refused to commence talks on the second phase at the end of the first phase as agreed upon in the deal on March 1.
Israel and Envoy Witkoff want Hamas to release half of all remaining Israeli captives during the extension but without giving any guarantees that Tel Aviv would not resume its war or withdraw from the strip.
Following Israel’s announcement of a renewed blockade, Hamas released a statement accusing the Israeli occupation of evading its obligations to the ceasefire agreement, and strongly opposed the decision to halt aid to Gaza.
Meanwhile, Arab countries are pushing for the enforcement of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. In preparation for an emergency Arab summit on March 4, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called on the European Union (EU) to pressure Israel to implement the agreement. The Arab summit, initially scheduled for February 27, was rescheduled for March 4.
Minister Abdelatty stated that Egypt's plan to rebuild Gaza, ensuring Palestinians remain on their land, is ready and will be presented at the summit.
He emphasised: “There is no alternative to the faithful and full implementation by all parties of what was signed last January.” He also urged the European Union to exert “maximum pressure on the parties, especially the Israeli party, regarding commitment to the ceasefire.”
Egypt has called for an emergency meeting to unify the Arab stance against recent proposals by US President Donald Trump to have the US take over and rebuild Gaza after removing Palestinians from the territory and moving them to Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab countries.
Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and other Arab countries have firmly rejected President Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinian people from their homeland, reaffirming the establishment of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders as the only fair solution for Palestinians.
In the context of the expired first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need to continue maintaining the ceasefire while ensuring the exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas.
For the people of Gaza, the ceasefire agreement is a glimmer of hope in a dark period, offering an opportunity to restore normal life as they have long desired. However, despite initial success, the prospect of completely ending the conflict remains fragile.
UN officials believe that each phase of the ceasefire in Gaza must be implemented fully and in good faith, and all parties involved, along with the international community, must make every effort to promote the process.
NDO
