Israel and Hamas are walking a thin line between diplomatic talks and military action as the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza teeters on the brink of collapse. The two sides have agreed to negotiations but are preparing for a possible return to war.
Hamas is insisting on implementing the second phase of an agreement, which calls for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and the release of more hostages and prisoners. However, Israel has proposed a seven-week extension of the current ceasefire, during which Hamas would be required to release half of the remaining living hostages as well as the remains of half the deceased ones.
The proposal, attributed to US President Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, appears to be an attempt to replace the ceasefire deal with terms that would enable Israel to bring home dozens of hostages and remains without committing to the end of the war. Analysts say it could force a discussion between the two sides but does not resolve underlying differences.
Hamas has dismissed the proposal as “a blatant attempt to renege on the agreement and evade negotiations for its second phase.” The militant group considers giving up half of the hostages a nonstarter, but may consider exchanging a small number of hostages or bodies for Palestinian prisoners without guarantees for the end of the war.
Israeli officials acknowledge that Hamas would probably be willing to give up only a small number of hostages, or their remains, without guarantees. This dynamic may eventually force Israel to choose between restarting a war to unseat Hamas or saving hostages still believed to be alive.
Both sides have sent negotiators to speak with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, but the possibility of a return to war looms large. Hamas has been collecting unexploded bombs throughout Gaza and preparing for a new campaign in the enclave. Israel is also preparing extensively for a new and intense campaign, targeting Hamas officials who siphon off aid supplies meant for civilians.
The situation has left Palestinian civilians and families of hostages facing an anxious period of limbo, with many worried that if war resumes, they will lose the most.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/03/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-cease-fire-assess.html