Hopes for a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire have collapsed, with renewed fears that full-scale conflict will resume in the war-ravaged territory. Despite initial agreements, Israel and Hamas remain at an impasse, jeopardizing humanitarian aid efforts and the fate of hostages still held by the militant group.
Aid Halted Amid Accusations of Violations
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Israel, with backing from the United States, has halted all humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza until Hamas agrees to what Israel calls a new version of the ceasefire deal. The move has drawn sharp criticism from regional mediators.
Egypt, which—alongside Qatar and the US—has been working to broker peace, condemned the aid suspension as a “flagrant violation” and accused Israel of breaching international humanitarian law by “using food as a weapon of war.” Under the original agreement, 600 aid trucks were supposed to enter Gaza daily.
Ceasefire Talks at a Standstill
Under the initial deal, which came into effect on January 19, Israel was expected to withdraw troops from the Philadelphi corridor, a key border area between Egypt and Gaza, and step up negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. This process was also intended to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for further Palestinian prisoner releases.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed an alternative plan, reportedly formulated by US envoy Steve Witkoff. While details remain unclear, Netanyahu claims the plan would extend the first ceasefire phase by 50 days, covering both the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover. In return, Hamas would be expected to immediately release half of the remaining hostages.
Hamas Rejects New Terms
On Monday, Hamas rejected the new proposal, accusing Israel of attempting to “evade the agreement and avoid serious negotiations”. The group views its hostages as crucial leverage, refusing to release them without concrete guarantees on ending Israeli military operations.
Egyptian officials have reportedly suggested a compromise, offering a two-week ceasefire extension in exchange for Hamas releasing three living hostages and the remains of three others. However, diplomatic sources indicate that formal negotiations have not resumed, with only “technical teams” in ongoing discussions.
US Backs Israel’s Position as Pressure Mounts
While Washington has encouraged continued hostage negotiations, the US National Security Council blamed Hamas for the breakdown, stating that the group had “indicated it is no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire”.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, remains committed to eliminating Hamas’ military and political influence in Gaza. Israeli officials argue that, while Hamas has accepted it won’t govern Gaza post-war, it still seeks to maintain some form of power—a scenario unacceptable to both Israel and the US.
Growing Domestic Pressure
Inside Israel, frustration over the hostage crisis continues to build. On Sunday night, hundreds of protesters stormed police barricades outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, demanding the immediate return of all captives.
With both sides seemingly preparing for a return to hostilities, diplomatic efforts to salvage the ceasefire remain uncertain. As tensions escalate, the future of Gaza’s civilians, hostages, and long-term peace prospects hang in the balance.
