Gaza Truce on the Brink as Israel Sets New Conditions

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is at risk of collapsing after Israel blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing Hamas’ refusal to extend the truce without agreeing to end the war or withdraw troops. This move has sparked international concern, with aid groups and the United Nations condemning Israel’s decision as a political maneuver at the expense of civilians.

Background of the Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire deal, which began on January 19, was structured in three phases:

1. Phase One: Lasted 42 days and involved the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for 1,737 Palestinian prisoners. Israel withdrew from urban centers but maintained a military presence along Gaza’s borders.
2. Phase Two: Planned for another 42 days, it aimed to secure a full ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal, and the release of all living hostages in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners.
3. Phase Three: Would focus on rebuilding Gaza and establishing long-term stability.

However, the agreement stipulated that negotiations should continue for the truce to remain in effect. Talks on Phase Two were supposed to begin in early February, but they have been delayed amid mutual accusations of bad faith.

Israel’s Position

Israel now proposes extending Phase One for another 42 days, allowing further hostage exchanges without committing to ending the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts this approach, backed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, ensures continued negotiations while keeping military pressure on Hamas. However, Hamas has rejected this proposal, leading Israel to suspend all humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“In light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the framework for continuing the talks—which Israel had agreed to—Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be stopped,” said Netanyahu’s office on Sunday.

Israeli authorities insist that humanitarian aid cannot resume unless Hamas agrees to the revised terms. Netanyahu has also warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas continues to reject the proposal.

Hamas’ Response

Hamas has strongly condemned Israel’s actions, calling the blockade on humanitarian aid “cheap blackmail” and a “war crime.” The group insists that negotiations for Phase Two should commence as originally planned, focusing on a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

“We reaffirm our commitment to implementing the signed agreement in its three stages and have repeatedly announced our readiness to begin negotiations for the second stage of the agreement,” Hamas stated.

International Reactions

The decision to halt aid has drawn widespread criticism:

• Egypt, a key mediator, rejected the politicization of humanitarian aid and urged the international community to compel Israel to allow its entry.
• Qatar denounced the use of food as a “weapon of war.”
• The United Nations warned that the aid suspension is “alarming” and emphasized that international humanitarian law requires unrestricted access to essential supplies.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials have expressed support for Israel’s efforts to secure hostage releases but have not explicitly endorsed the aid blockade. White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated, “Israel has negotiated in good faith to ensure the release of hostages. We support their decision on next steps given Hamas’ unwillingness to engage.”

What’s Next?

The standoff over the truce’s future puts both hostages and millions of Gazan civilians at risk. Netanyahu is under pressure from far-right elements within his government to resume full-scale military operations, a move that could be more likely under the new Trump administration. Meanwhile, hostages’ families have called on the U.S. to push for a single-phase deal ensuring the immediate release of all captives.

In a controversial move, Israeli sources have indicated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, a key condition of Phase Two. Additionally, Israeli forces have continued targeted strikes in Gaza despite the ceasefire, citing security threats.

With humanitarian aid at a standstill and diplomatic efforts faltering, the fate of the truce—and the lives of those caught in the conflict—remains uncertain. International mediators now face an uphill battle to salvage peace talks and prevent a full-scale return to hostilities.

Source: CNN, The Guardian, The New York Times, BBC