Second phase of Israel – Hamas ceasefire in doubt
The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to expire, with no clear path toward the planned second phase, which aims to establish a more permanent end to the Gaza war according to The Arab Weekly on March 1st.
The 42-day ceasefire, which began on January 19, saw Hamas release 33 hostages from Israel in exchange for approximately 1900 Palestinian prisoners.
While Hamas wants to proceed to the next phase – including further releases and steps toward ending the war – Israel is instead negotiating in Cairo to extend the initial truce rather than move forward, according to Egyptian security sources.
Hamas has proposed the release of all remaining 7 October hostages at once, during the upcoming stage two of the ceasefire deal.
Hamas had proposed the release of all remaining 7 October hostages at once, during the upcoming stage two of the ceasefire deal as reported by Maghrebi on February 19th.
Since its implementation, both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations, raising doubts about the second phase.
The broader uncertainty surrounding Gaza’s governance and reconstruction is further complicating peace negotiations, with no consensus among Israelis, Palestinians, or international mediators.
Hamas urged the international community to pressure Israel into immediately entering the second phase, but its fate remains unclear.
Mediated by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. support, the Cairo talks continue, with President Donald Trump acknowledging ongoing discussions but offering no certainty on the deal’s future.
Hamas considers Israel’s control a violation of the ceasefire. Additionally, humanitarian aid deliveries have sparked disputes, with Israel having expressed concerns over potential military use by Hamas.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have repeatedly warned of resuming military operations if Hamas violates the agreement.
Meanwhile, Hamas has indicated willingness to relinquish civil governance but not security control, a key sticking point.
With no agreement in sight, the conflict’s resolution remains uncertain, and the expiration of the current ceasefire phase could reignite hostilities.
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