By admin 
Efforts to advance the second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have stalled, with no breakthrough in negotiations, according to a senior Hamas official.
The truce, which began on January 19, followed over 15 months of war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel—the deadliest in the country’s history. During the initial six-week phase, Gaza militants released 25 hostages alive and returned the bodies of eight others, while Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Second Phase in Limbo
The next phase was expected to lead to the release of more hostages and lay the groundwork for a more lasting resolution. However, a Hamas source claimed Israel was delaying the process, despite Cairo hosting “intensive talks” with delegations from Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
“The occupation is still procrastinating and continuing to violate the agreement,” a Hamas source told AFP.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian source close to the discussions suggested that efforts were ongoing despite the absence of a Hamas delegation in Cairo. Experts believe the second phase will not begin immediately, though the ceasefire itself is likely to remain intact.
Disputed Approaches
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, stated that the preferred approach was to extend the first phase rather than move to a second phase. According to Israel, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 presumed dead.
Hamas, facing significant losses, has pushed for phase two to proceed. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged both sides to prevent the collapse of the deal.
“The coming days are critical. The parties must spare no effort to avoid a breakdown,” Guterres stated.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The ceasefire has allowed more aid to reach Gaza, where nearly 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed. The war has displaced almost the entire population and led to severe food shortages.
On Saturday, as the Muslim world marked the start of Ramadan, Gaza residents faced the holy month with devastation and homelessness.
“Ramadan has come this year, and we are on the streets with no shelter, no work, no money, nothing,” said Ali Rajih, a displaced resident from Jabaliya camp.
Casualties and Violations
The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in 1,218 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to official figures compiled by AFP. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have since killed over 48,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry—numbers the UN considers reliable.
Although the ceasefire remains largely in place, sporadic violence continues. On Friday, Israeli forces struck two “suspects” in southern Gaza, with a Khan Younis hospital confirming one death.
As negotiations struggle to move forward, both sides remain locked in a tense standoff, with no clear path toward a long-term resolution.
Efforts to advance the second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have stalled, with no breakthrough in negotiations, according to a senior Hamas official.
The truce, which began on January 19, followed over 15 months of war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel—the deadliest in the country’s history. During the initial six-week phase, Gaza militants released 25 hostages alive and returned the bodies of eight others, while Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Second Phase in Limbo
The next phase was expected to lead to the release of more hostages and lay the groundwork for a more lasting resolution. However, a Hamas source claimed Israel was delaying the process, despite Cairo hosting “intensive talks” with delegations from Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
“The occupation is still procrastinating and continuing to violate the agreement,” a Hamas source told AFP.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian source close to the discussions suggested that efforts were ongoing despite the absence of a Hamas delegation in Cairo. Experts believe the second phase will not begin immediately, though the ceasefire itself is likely to remain intact.
Disputed Approaches
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, stated that the preferred approach was to extend the first phase rather than move to a second phase. According to Israel, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 presumed dead.
Hamas, facing significant losses, has pushed for phase two to proceed. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged both sides to prevent the collapse of the deal.
“The coming days are critical. The parties must spare no effort to avoid a breakdown,” Guterres stated.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The ceasefire has allowed more aid to reach Gaza, where nearly 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed. The war has displaced almost the entire population and led to severe food shortages.
On Saturday, as the Muslim world marked the start of Ramadan, Gaza residents faced the holy month with devastation and homelessness.
“Ramadan has come this year, and we are on the streets with no shelter, no work, no money, nothing,” said Ali Rajih, a displaced resident from Jabaliya camp.
Casualties and Violations
The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in 1,218 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to official figures compiled by AFP. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have since killed over 48,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry—numbers the UN considers reliable.
Although the ceasefire remains largely in place, sporadic violence continues. On Friday, Israeli forces struck two “suspects” in southern Gaza, with a Khan Younis hospital confirming one death.
As negotiations struggle to move forward, both sides remain locked in a tense standoff, with no clear path toward a long-term resolution.
Gill Bikram Singh