A fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is set to expire this weekend, raising concerns that months of bloodshed may resume without a lasting peace agreement. The truce, brokered by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in January, has brought a temporary halt to hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
The first phase of the agreement, which took effect on January 19, aimed to reduce fighting and facilitate hostage releases. However, disputes over hostages and prisoner exchanges have created tension, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire terms.
Israel has delayed releasing nearly 620 Palestinian detainees, citing concerns over the treatment of its hostages by Hamas. The Israeli government claims that some released hostages were paraded in front of crowds as part of a propaganda show, which they deemed humiliating.
Hamas disputes this account, saying the ceremonies were dignified and not in breach of ceasefire rules. Both sides remain wary of each other’s intentions, making an extension of the truce uncertain.
Meanwhile, Israel has sent tanks into the West Bank for the first time in 20 years as it steps up military operations against Palestinian militant groups. The move has raised concerns about renewed violence, but officials say they are working to find a peaceful resolution.
As the ceasefire nears its expiration, diplomatic efforts by US President Joe Biden’s successor, Donald Trump, have failed to bring stability. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is now set to travel to the Middle East in an effort to push for a ceasefire extension.
With time running out, both sides are bracing for a potential return to violence or a stalemate that would leave hostages unreturned and aid blocked from entering Gaza. The fate of the fragile truce remains uncertain as the clock ticks down to its expiration.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/02/26/gaza-strip-ceasefire-hostage-israel-hamas-agreement/80281294007