The 42-day truce, which began on January 19, halted 15 months of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas. During this period, 33 Israeli hostages, including eight bodies, were released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, with the ceasefire’s first phase ending on Sunday, talks for the subsequent phase have yet to commence, leaving the remaining hostages’ status in limbo.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed a U.S.-backed proposal to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, contingent upon Hamas releasing half of the remaining hostages upfront and the rest following a permanent truce agreement. Hamas, however, remains steadfast in adhering to the original phased plan, which envisioned further negotiations and additional releases.
In a move to pressure Hamas into accepting the new proposal, Israel has halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. This action has drawn significant international criticism, with humanitarian organizations and the United Nations urging Israel to allow aid deliveries, warning of potential widespread suffering among Gaza’s civilian population.
The blockade has exacerbated tensions, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce. Hamas has labeled Israel’s aid halt as blackmail, urging mediators to enforce the agreed-upon terms. The group also reported no progress in the second-phase negotiations, blaming Israel for delays and violations of the agreement.
The ceasefire’s initial phase had allowed for a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza, with thousands of essential aid trucks entering the territory. However, the current blockade threatens to reverse these gains, leaving residents in dire conditions and reliant on dwindling supplies.
The international community remains divided on the path forward. While the European Union has criticized Hamas for not releasing hostages under the agreed phased deal, Arab nations have rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to redevelop Gaza. The United Nations and various Arab countries have condemned Israel’s blockade, citing violations of humanitarian law.
As the impasse continues, the families of the hostages remain in anguish. The recent release of a propaganda video by Hamas, showing freed hostage Iair Horn embracing his still-captive brother Eitan Horn, has intensified public outcry. The Horn family expressed deep sorrow, calling on decision-makers to work towards the release of all hostages.
