Hamas has reiterated its commitment to implementing the Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel, raising hopes that a resumption of the war can be averted.
Following diplomatic talks in Cairo, the Palestinian armed group stated that mediators from Egypt and Qatar had confirmed their intent to “remove obstacles” to ensure the agreement proceeds as planned.
Ceasefire Agreement Under Strain
The ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, 2025, has provided a temporary halt to the hostilities between Israel and Hamas, allowing for the release of hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, tensions flared when Hamas accused Israel of violating the terms of the agreement by failing to allow the agreed amounts of essential aid, including tents and shelters, into the enclave. Israel has denied these allegations.
The Israeli government issued a stark warning, stating that the ceasefire would end if Hamas did not release hostages by Saturday. The situation escalated further when U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that Israel cancel the agreement entirely and “let hell break out” unless “all of the hostages” were returned by the deadline.
Netanyahu’s Ultimatum and Diplomatic Mediation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded favorably to Trump’s suggestion, warning: “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon [10:00 GMT], the ceasefire will end, and the [Israeli military] will resume intense fighting until the final defeat of Hamas.”
Despite this firm stance, conflicting statements emerged from Israeli officials, with uncertainty over whether Netanyahu was demanding the return of all 76 remaining hostages in Gaza or only the three due to be released this weekend.
As uncertainty looms, mediators from Egypt and Qatar have intensified diplomatic efforts to salvage the ceasefire. On Wednesday, an Egyptian security source confirmed that Egypt and Qatar were “working tirelessly to bridge the gaps” and ensure both sides adhere to the agreement. Hamas’s leader for Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo for high-level talks with Egypt’s intelligence chief and other officials.
Hamas issued a statement today reaffirming its commitment to the agreement and emphasizing the need for all terms, particularly humanitarian aid deliveries, to be fulfilled. “Accordingly, Hamas reaffirms its commitment to implementing the agreement as signed, including the exchange of prisoners according to the specified timeline,” the statement read.
Conflicting Reports on Aid and Ceasefire Implementation
Egyptian state-run Al Qahera TV reported that Egypt and Qatar had successfully “overcome obstacles” and that both Israel and Hamas were committed to fully implementing the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV claimed that negotiations had led to an agreement allowing mobile homes and heavy machinery into Gaza.
However, Israeli media refuted these claims, citing a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office, which dismissed the reports as “fake news.” An Israeli government spokesman later clarified, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “There is no entry of caravans or heavy equipment into the Gaza Strip, and there is no coordination for this.”
Progress and Challenges in Ceasefire Implementation
Since the ceasefire began, significant progress has been made in the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The first phase of the agreement is set to last six weeks, with a total of 33 Israeli hostages exchanged for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. So far, 16 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals have been released. The next phase will involve the release of 17 more Israeli hostages, including children, elderly men, and women.
Negotiations for the second phase, which is expected to include the release of the remaining 43 hostages, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a permanent ceasefire, have yet to begin.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 48,230 deaths reported by the Hamas-run health ministry since the war began. The enclave continues to struggle with widespread displacement, infrastructure destruction, and severe shortages of essential supplies.
The Path Forward
The success of the ceasefire depends on continued diplomatic efforts and adherence to the agreed terms.
While mediators work to maintain the fragile truce, uncertainty remains over whether all parties will honor their commitments. As tensions persist, the international community watches closely, hoping that this ceasefire will pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
