Tel Aviv, Israel – Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has declared that negotiations must commence regarding the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. This decision comes after rejecting an Israeli proposal to extend the current ceasefire agreement. Talks were held in Egypt involving Israeli, Hamas, and other negotiators, with the Israeli delegation returning home on Friday evening.
Hazem Qassem, spokesman for Hamas, stated in an interview with Al Araby television that extending the first phase of the deal according to Israel’s conditions is unacceptable to the organization. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not responded immediately to Hamas’ refusal of the extension. Qassem blamed Israel for the delay in beginning discussions on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which was implemented on January 19 and is set to expire on Saturday.
The current phase of the ceasefire involved the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli jails. The proposed second phase of the ceasefire would entail the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a commitment to cease hostilities.
The conflict escalated following a devastating attack on Israel by Hamas-led militants on October 7, 2023, resulting in the death of nearly 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 individuals. Israel retaliated by launching airstrikes and attacks that claimed the lives of over 48,000 people in Gaza, causing significant destruction to infrastructure and buildings across the territory.
As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, the first phase of the ceasefire is coming to an end. Throughout the six-week ceasefire period, the United Nations managed to deliver essential goods to Gaza; however, residents continue to face challenges in accessing an adequate food supply and medical assistance. In the Jabaliya refugee camp in north Gaza, individuals like Khalid Abu Sultan, 33, are struggling to afford groceries to prepare meals for breaking their fast during Ramadan.
“Ramadan usually brings joy and delight, but this year will be bleak,” Abu Sultan expressed, highlighting the ongoing hardships faced by the community in Gaza.