Officials and analysts expressed cautious optimism regarding the sustainability of the Gaza ceasefire, despite overnight threats from both Hamas and US President Donald Trump that seemed to put the agreement at risk, as reported by The New York Times (NYT) on Tuesday.
The situation appeared precarious when Hamas declared it would cease the release of Israeli captives from Gaza, alleging that “Israel” had breached the ceasefire terms.
In reaction, President Trump issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that “all hell” would break loose if the release of all Israeli captives did not occur within the next few days, a statement that Hamas claimed “further complicates matters.”
Nevertheless, Hamas appeared to moderate its position shortly thereafter, while Trump indicated to reporters in the Oval Office that the decision regarding the ceasefire would ultimately rest with “Israel.”
Despite these developments, NYT highlighted that the deadlock emphasized the tenuous nature of the ceasefire and the diminishing likelihood of its continuation beyond early March, when it is scheduled to expire unless further negotiations produce a new agreement.
The current impasse is partly attributed to Hamas’ claims that “Israel” has not met its obligations under the initial phase of the ceasefire, which commenced on January 19 and was intended to last six weeks. According to the agreement, “Israel” was responsible for facilitating the entry of hundreds of thousands of tents and other humanitarian supplies into Gaza, a commitment that Hamas asserts has not been fulfilled.
Three Israeli officials and two mediators, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged the validity of Hamas’ allegations.
In contrast, COGAT, the Israeli military organization tasked with overseeing aid deliveries to Gaza, rejected these claims as “completely false.”
Despite the ongoing dispute, officials and analysts maintain that this issue could be resolved relatively easily if “Israel” consents to increase the flow of aid into Gaza, according to NYT.
Agencies
