The fragile ceasefire in Gaza appears to be on the verge of collapse, as Israeli forces have reportedly resumed the use of weapons in the enclave.
This follows the conclusion of the first stage of a negotiated deal between Israel and Hamas, which lasted 42 days. Despite expectations that Israel would begin withdrawing troops from the strategically significant Philadelphi Corridor, no such movement has taken place. On the contrary, Israeli forces are reinforcing their positions, while Hamas remains unwilling to accept Israel’s conditions for a resolution.
Tensions have escalated following Israel’s approval of a ceasefire plan proposed by Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Representative for the Middle East under President Donald Trump. While Israel has agreed to the plan without reservations, Hamas has rejected it. The proposal sought to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, potentially lasting until mid-April. The arrangement would involve the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. However, Hamas is demanding a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza—terms that Israel has refused.
Hostage Crisis and Stalled Negotiations
According to current estimates, Hamas still holds 59 hostages in Gaza. Of these, 22 are believed to be alive, although the exact number remains uncertain. Reports suggest that Hamas has shown reluctance to release living hostages, recognising their strategic value in negotiations. Instead, the group has signalled a willingness to return the remains of deceased captives.
Israel initially proposed extending the first phase of the hostage deal, under which small groups of hostages would be released weekly in exchange for Palestinian detainees. However, Hamas rejected this, preferring an immediate exchange of all hostages in return for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. In response, Israel countered with an alternative plan—agreeing to release all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for all hostages but requiring Hamas to leave Gaza entirely. This proposal was also rejected, as Hamas understands that without its territorial base, it would be rendered powerless.
As negotiations stalled, Israeli forces reportedly resumed limited military operations in Gaza, with strikes recorded in several locations, including Shejaiya, Rafah, and Khan Younis. Hamas has refrained from launching large-scale rocket attacks but did fire a small number of projectiles, which Israeli sources suggest may have been accidental due to recent heavy rainfall affecting launch sites.
U.S. and Israel Strengthen Military Cooperation
Washington has largely supported Israel’s position in the conflict. The Trump administration has refrained from condemning Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, a move seen as a pressure tactic to force Hamas into negotiations. Despite the suspension of aid shipments, electricity and water supplies to Gaza remain intact.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Israel is receiving a substantial influx of military aid from the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expedited the approval of a $4 billion military assistance package, reinforcing speculation that Israel is preparing for intensified operations. The scale of the weaponry being delivered suggests that it may not be intended solely for use in Gaza, raising questions about potential future military engagements, including the possibility of a confrontation with Iran.
Read also:
Trump Unveils AI-Generated ‘Trump-Gaza’ Utopia—Because What’s a War Zone Without a Luxury Resort?
