The Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in effect since January 19, is under serious threat of collapse. A senior Egyptian source informed the BBC that regional mediators Egypt and Qatar are intensifying their diplomatic efforts to salvage the fragile agreement.
A high-level Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo to discuss strategies to “contain the current crisis,” with a Hamas official affirming the group’s commitment to the deal. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that if Hamas does not return hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the Israeli military will resume operations.
Confusion surrounds the nature of the hostage ultimatum, particularly whether it includes all 76 hostages still held in Gaza, as emphasized by a suggestion from US President Donald Trump. Trump reacted to a Hamas warning that the agreement could be jeopardized due to alleged Israeli violations, particularly regarding aid delivery.
While the US administration helped broker the ceasefire, Trump’s recent proposal for a US takeover of Gaza—excluding its two million Palestinian residents—has complicated the situation, especially after Jordan’s King Abdullah II rejected the idea during discussions in Washington.
Israeli media reported a contradictory atmosphere following a four-hour security cabinet meeting. Initial reports suggested the focus was on a specific group of hostages, but key Israeli ministers later reinforced demands for the release of all captives.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made aggressive comments, threatening drastic measures against Hamas, including blockades on humanitarian aid and calls for complete military occupation. His statements reflect how Trump’s post-war vision for Gaza has emboldened far-right elements in Israeli politics, raising concerns among security officials about the implications for hostage safety.
The recent developments have alarmed families of the hostages and prompted fears among Palestinians who have returned to their homes amid the ceasefire. The Hamas leader for Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, is also in Cairo to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire.
Since January 19, the ceasefire has facilitated the return of 16 Israeli hostages in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners; however, challenges remain regarding humanitarian aid. Hamas asserts that Israel has not fulfilled its commitments, particularly concerning the entry of essential supplies such as tents for displaced individuals.
Despite conflicting reports about aid deliveries, the UN estimates that 644,000 people in Gaza have received shelter assistance since the ceasefire began. Israel claims to be facilitating the entry of humanitarian supplies, stating its commitment to allow 600 aid trucks per day into Gaza.
Cairo and Doha are pushing for adherence to the ceasefire terms amid complex political circumstances. An Egyptian official emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, warning that its collapse could lead to renewed violence with severe regional consequences.
Even if the immediate issues are resolved, the future of the ceasefire and potential extensions remain unclear. The first phase of the ceasefire is slated to end in March, but discussions on next steps have been postponed by Netanyahu under pressure from his coalition, despite ongoing Hamas influence in Gaza.
Moreover, Trump’s idea of transforming Gaza into a Mediterranean resort—relocating its residents to Jordan and Egypt—has provoked outrage across the Arab world. Egypt is reportedly developing its own reconstruction plan for Gaza that will not involve displacing the Palestinian population.
Leaders from Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are set to meet ahead of a conference in Cairo on February 27, as the ongoing disputes regarding Gaza’s future contribute to a landscape of deep mistrust and confusion.
Credit: BBC News
