Hamas Warns Gaza Ceasefire At Risk Amid Israel's 'Continued Violations'; Egypt Talks Aim to Halt Attacks & Secure Truce

Hamas Warns Ceasefire Under Threat Amid Escalating Israeli Actions in Gaza

A high-level Hamas delegation recently convened with Egypt's intelligence chief in Cairo, issuing a stern warning that ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza jeopardized the fragile ceasefire agreement. The critical meeting occurred as Palestinians across Gaza laid to rest dozens killed in recent Israeli strikes, underscoring the escalating tensions and widespread grief.

Hamas Accuses Israel of Persistent Violations

During discussions with Hassan Rashad, Hamas leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the initial phase of the truce. However, they squarely blamed Israel for "continued violations" that, they argued, threatened to unravel the entire deal. The group, whose delegation included exiled Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya, pressed for a clear and supervised mechanism by mediators to document and prevent future breaches effectively.

Mediating efforts between Hamas and Israel have involved Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, ultimately leading to the ceasefire agreement enacted last month. Beyond ceasefire discussions, Hamas also reportedly addressed the critical issue of its fighters isolated within tunnel networks in Israeli-controlled Rafah, Gaza, stating that communication with them has been cut off.

Recent Strikes and Mounting Civilian Casualties

The Cairo talks followed a devastating wave of Israeli air attacks across Gaza, which saw homes, temporary shelters, and vehicles destroyed, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 Palestinians, including several children. The Israeli military claimed these strikes targeted Hamas operatives after an alleged incursion by a Hamas fighter into Israeli-controlled Gaza territory to assault soldiers, with a local Hamas commander reportedly among the fatalities. However, Hamas vehemently denied these claims, asserting that Israel was merely fabricating justifications for its violence. The group has urgently appealed to the mediating nations – Egypt, Qatar, and the US – to intervene and pressure Israel to cease its violations immediately.

According to the Gaza Government Media Office, Israel has breached the ceasefire a staggering 497 times since its inception on October 10. These violations have reportedly led to the deaths of 342 civilians, with a disproportionate number being children, women, and the elderly, highlighting the devastating human cost.

Gaza Fears Expansion, Skepticism Over Ceasefire's Future

From Gaza City, Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum reported widespread fear among Palestinians regarding a potential expansion of Israeli operations. He highlighted persistent attacks beyond the established 'yellow line' – areas under Israeli control – leading to systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure and the transformation of landscapes into barren zones. Residents express profound skepticism about progressing to the second phase of the ceasefire, emphasizing the immediate need for sustained stability, increased humanitarian aid flow, and comprehensive reconstruction efforts.

Complexities of the Ceasefire Plan: Phases One and Two

Phase one of the ceasefire, linked to former US President Donald Trump's peace initiative, outlined an exchange of captives and prisoners, enhanced humanitarian aid delivery, and the crucial opening of the Rafah crossing into Egypt. While Hamas has released all but three remaining living captives and returned numerous bodies, Israel has released close to 2,000 Palestinians, including those serving life sentences. Yet, restrictions on border crossings continue to impede vital aid, and Israel has maintained the closure of the Rafah crossing, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Phase two envisions Gaza governed by a technocratic Palestinian committee under the oversight of a Trump-led "board of peace." This board would also deploy an International Stabilisation Force to secure borders, train Palestinian police, and demilitarize Gaza. However, Hamas maintains its unwavering refusal to disarm as long as the Israeli occupation persists. Trump's plan also guarantees no forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and explicitly prohibits Israeli occupation or annexation of the territory – a plan now endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.