Hamas rejects Israel’s ‘formulation’ to extend phase one of Gaza ceasefire

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is nearing its end, and negotiations regarding the next phase, aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire, have so far made no clear progress. All parties are striving to extend the ceasefire, but face many challenges. This situation requires a prompt resolution to prevent further escalation.

Hamas rejected an Israeli "proposal" on Saturday to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, instead of moving into the second phase as originally planned, saying it could not accept it. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in an interview with Al Araby TV that the two sides had not negotiated a second-phase ceasefire, even though the first-phase ceasefire was due to expire on Saturday. The lack of negotiation progress is a major concern.

Qassem said Israel should bear the responsibility for failing to initiate the second phase of negotiations, accusing Israel of wanting to retrieve the remaining detainees while retaining the possibility of resuming the war. A day earlier, Hamas urged Israel to enter the second phase and confirmed its "full commitment to implementing all clauses in all phases and details of the agreement." Hamas' stance reflects a desire to see the agreement fully implemented.

Egypt's State Information Service said on Friday that Israeli officials held "intensive discussions" with Qatari and American mediators in Cairo on Thursday, but these negotiations apparently yielded no results. The second phase of ceasefire negotiations aims to negotiate a complete end to the fighting in the Gaza Strip, including the repatriation of all remaining detainees and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory. The failure of these talks is a significant setback.

According to Israel, 59 detainees remain in Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be still alive. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Thursday: "We have said that we are willing to extend the (first phase) framework in exchange for the release of more hostages. If it is possible, we will do so." Sami Al-Arian, a professor at Istanbul Zaim University, said it is unclear what will happen next. "(US envoy Steve Witkoff) said he wanted to explore the idea of extending the first phase, which is Israel's position," he told Al Jazeera. "So that's bad news for any negotiations because Hamas won't agree to that." This difference in opinion is a major obstacle to progress.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations have repeatedly stated that the ceasefire must continue if they are to provide much-needed assistance to Palestinians in the coastal enclave, which has been devastated by 15 months of war. "The impact of safe and sustained humanitarian access is clear," the World Food Programme said in a post on X. "The ceasefire must be maintained. There must be no turning back." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that the coming days are crucial for negotiations on a second-phase ceasefire. "The ceasefire and the agreement to release hostages must be maintained. The coming days are critical. All efforts must be made by all to avoid the agreement breaking down," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York. The international community emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ceasefire.

Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Gaza, said military activity could "surge" "because there is no longer an obligation to maintain the ceasefire." "The question remains open as mediators try to contain this crisis and prevent a resumption of fighting, which would only bring further destruction to the people of Gaza," he added. While the ceasefire has been in effect since January 19, the Gaza Government Media Office (GMO) reported that Israel has violated the ceasefire agreement more than 350 times since it began, including military incursions, shootings, airstrikes, increased surveillance and obstruction of aid. These violations undermine the ceasefire agreement.

According to the GMO, Israeli forces have killed and injured dozens of Palestinians through airstrikes and shootings since the ceasefire took effect. The GMO had previously reported delays in allowing displaced families to return to northern Gaza, and that the level of aid allowed into the enclave was below that stipulated in the agreement. These issues highlight the challenges in implementing the ceasefire agreement effectively.