Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, claiming that the Israeli government is not participating in negotiations for the second phase of the deal, which is set to conclude on March 1. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, was intended to facilitate the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, allow for the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and deliver humanitarian aid to the region, which has suffered extensive damage due to ongoing conflict.
According to Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, the group has adhered to its commitments under the agreement, while accusing Israel of violating its terms. He pointed out that over 100 Palestinians have been killed during the first phase of the ceasefire, and much of the promised humanitarian aid has not reached Gaza. Additionally, he noted that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Netzarim Corridor has been delayed, further straining the fragile truce.
Israeli officials have acknowledged some of Hamas’s claims regarding violations of the ceasefire, although the government has officially denied these accusations. The agreement stipulated that Israel would allow the entry of 60,000 mobile homes and 200,000 tents into Gaza, a commitment that remains unmet. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with more than 90 percent of the enclave’s 2.4 million residents displaced and large areas reduced to rubble.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, with many more presumed dead under the rubble. The situation is further complicated by Netanyahu’s threats to resume military operations, emphasizing his commitment to a U.S. proposal aimed at taking control of Gaza and displacing its Palestinian population.
Political analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s lack of interest in advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire is indicative of his broader strategy. The second phase would involve a reduction of Israeli forces in Gaza, which some believe Netanyahu cannot politically afford, given the pressure to achieve a decisive victory against Hamas.
In a recent development, Netanyahu appointed Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to lead Israeli negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire. This decision has raised concerns among observers who believe Dermer’s close ties to Netanyahu may hinder genuine negotiations.
Amidst these tensions, Hamas has expressed a willingness to relinquish its governing role in Gaza, proposing the establishment of a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic administration to manage daily affairs. Naim stated that Hamas is open to collaborating with the Palestinian Authority and other factions to address the needs of the Gaza population while focusing on broader national goals.
As the deadline for the first phase approaches, uncertainty looms over the future of the ceasefire, with both sides facing pressure from their respective constituencies. Families of Israeli captives have protested for the government to ensure the continuation of the agreement, fearing that a breakdown in negotiations could leave their loved ones in peril.