The fragile 42-day ceasefire in Gaza is set to expire this weekend, with both Israel and Hamas under pressure to extend it without making any concessions towards a permanent end to the conflict. Despite initial optimism over the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s views have shifted, and he now appears more inclined to return to war.
The situation has changed drastically since the ceasefire was struck in November last year, with Netanyahu buoyed by US President Donald Trump’s return to office and pressure from far-right members of his cabinet. The Israeli leader has replaced security chiefs with a close ally, Ron Dermer, who is close to the Trump Administration, indicating that the government may not be committed to making tough commitments required for a second phase.
Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about the ceasefire’s potential second phase, which would require Hamas and Israel to agree on a permanent end to hostilities, prisoner releases, and Israeli troop withdrawal. The first phase, which allowed for the release of hostages, was always temporary, Netanyahu said in a recent speech to graduating military officers.
The government is now trying to extend the ceasefire by releasing more hostages without making any concessions, but it’s unclear whether Hamas will continue to hold Israel’s people hostage without long-term commitments from Israel. The fate of the ceasefire hangs in the balance as both sides await an extension or a new agreement.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed caution about the phase two talks, stating that “phase two is more difficult,” but ultimately optimistic about success with hard work. However, the recent decision by Israel not to release Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange for Israeli hostages has raised concerns among international observers.
The future of the ceasefire now depends on whether Hamas will see value in a short-lived peace or continue holding onto their assets without long-term commitments from Israel. The 63 remaining hostages in Gaza, including Evyatar David, who was kidnapped from a music festival and appeared in a Hamas propaganda video pleading for an end to the conflict, are among those struggling to survive as the situation unfolds.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/25/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-intl/index.html