With Cease-Fire Shaky, Israel and Hamas Weigh Diplomatic and Military Options
As the first phase of the cease-fire in Gaza ends, both Israel and Hamas continue negotiations while also preparing for a possible return to war. Cease Fire Shaky Israel and Hamas
When the cease-fire agreement was announced in January, Israelis and Palestinians celebrated, hoping for an end to the 15-month-long conflict. However, as the first phase concluded on Sunday and Israel introduced a new proposal—already rejected by Hamas—concerns are growing that fighting may soon resume.
Diplomatic and Military Strategies
Both sides are pursuing parallel diplomatic and military strategies. Hamas is demanding the full implementation of the second phase of the original agreement, which calls for:
- A permanent cease-fire
- A complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- The release of more hostages and prisoners
On the other hand, Israel has proposed a seven-week extension of the current cease-fire. Under this plan, Hamas would release half of the remaining living hostages and the remains of half of the deceased ones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited the proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Challenges in the Negotiations
Despite agreeing to the second phase in principle, Israel and Hamas never finalized its details. Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that Hamas’s government and military wing must be dismantled—an idea supported by his right-wing coalition. Hamas, while open to relinquishing political control of Gaza, refuses to dissolve its military forces, which it considers essential for its power.
Netanyahu’s new proposal appears to be an attempt to secure the return of hostages without committing to ending the war. Analysts believe this could be a strategic move to break the current deadlock.
“It’s not really feasible, but it’s an opening offer,” said Shira Efron, an analyst at the Israel Policy Forum. “It could force a discussion that extends the cease-fire for a couple of weeks or more.”
However, she noted that the proposal does not resolve the core disagreements between Israel and Hamas regarding the war’s conclusion.
Reactions from Both Sides
At a government meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said the proposal includes a temporary cease-fire during Ramadan and Passover. Cease Fire Shaky Israel and Hamas, He stated that half of the remaining hostages would be released at the beginning of the cease-fire, with the other half being repatriated later—provided an agreement is reached for a permanent cease-fire.
Hamas quickly rejected the proposal, calling it “a blatant attempt to renege on the agreement and evade negotiations for its second phase.”
While Hamas is unlikely to immediately release half the hostages without a commitment to ending the war, analysts suggest they might exchange a small number of hostages or bodies for Palestinian prisoners. The hostages remain Hamas’s strongest bargaining tool.
Possible Return to War
Two Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that Israel may have to choose between resuming military action against Hamas or prioritizing the safe return of hostages.
Currently, about 25 captives and the remains of more than 30 others are still believed to be in Gaza.
“Israel stands on the horns of a dilemma,” said Yaakov Amidror, a retired general and former national security adviser to Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, Hamas continues to prepare for a potential return to combat by:
- Repurposing unexploded bombs into improvised explosive devices
- Recruiting new members
- Replacing commanders killed in earlier fighting
Israeli officials also say they are preparing for a renewed military campaign, which could involve:
- Targeting Hamas leaders accused of diverting aid
- Destroying buildings and infrastructure linked to Hamas
Uncertain Future for Gaza’s Civilians
As the cease-fire hangs in the balance, Palestinian civilians and the families of hostages are left in uncertainty.
“They’re being left in a state of perpetual worry,” said Akram Atallah, a Palestinian journalist originally from Gaza. “If the war returns, they stand to lose the most.”
