Hamas rejects Israeli proposal to extend Gaza ceasefire

As the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire concludes, uncertainty looms over the next steps in negotiations. Talks held in Cairo between Israeli officials, Qatari and U.S. mediators, and other stakeholders have yet to yield progress on a potential second phase of the ceasefire.

The discussions were intended to secure a permanent withdrawal of Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) from Gaza and bring an end to ongoing assaults in the region. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire instead. Saar stated, "We said we are ready to extend the framework [of phase one] in return for the release of more hostages. If it is possible, we’ll do that."

Hamas, however, has firmly rejected this proposal. Speaking on Saturday, the group's spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, accused Israel of stalling substantive negotiations over the second phase. Qassem contended, "Israel wants to extend the first phase to secure the release of more captives" while potentially resuming its aggression in Gaza.

Hamas has previously emphasized its commitment to fulfilling all terms of the ceasefire agreement across its various stages. Yet, with no concrete progress on the second phase, Palestinians are growing increasingly concerned about the potential resumption of military action.

Growing uncertainty for Gaza’s residents

The conclusion of the first phase today comes with no assurances that Israel will refrain from renewing its assaults. Without a clear agreement in place, the IOF could resume raids in Gaza, leaving the ceasefire on precarious ground.

The six-week ceasefire has permitted a gradual influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza, offering temporary relief to the besieged enclave. The World Food Programme (WFP) stressed the importance of maintaining the truce, stating, "The ceasefire must hold. There can be no going back." A return to military confrontations would jeopardize humanitarian aid access and exacerbate the already dire conditions for Gaza’s residents.

Hopes for rebuilding and recovery in the war-torn region are quickly fading in the absence of progress on a second phase. For many Gazans, the prospect of renewed violence looms large, threatening to dismantle fragile efforts toward peace and stability.