Hamas has officially rejected the extension of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with Israel, which had been set to expire on March 1, 2025. The new development emerged on the very last day of the timeline proposed for the initial agreement, signaling heightened tensions and uncertainty over the next steps in negotiations.
On March 1, Hamas reiterated its position during the backdrop of incomplete negotiations concerning the second phase of the ceasefire. The group, led by its spokesperson Hazem Qassem, stated, "We reaffirm our commitment to implement the remaining phases of the truce, which aims for a comprehensive and long-term ceasefire, withdrawal of all occupying forces from Gaza, reconstruction, and lifting the blockade." This assertion highlights Hamas’s readiness to fulfill its obligations but also stresses its rejection of any extension under Israel’s interpretations.
The first phase of the ceasefire was marked by significant exchanges: Hamas freed 33 Israeli hostages, and, in return, Israel released over 1,700 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange was viewed as positive progress, yet the negotiations for the second phase have not yielded any concrete results so far.
The negotiations, reportedly involving discussions among Israel, the United States, and Egypt, have been intensive, as indicated by the Egyptian State Information Service. On February 28, security sources from Egypt revealed, "Negotiations about the second phase have begun with participation from the delegations of Israel, Qatar, and the United States," signaling international involvement aimed at stabilizing the situation.
Despite these discussions, there remains skepticism about the future of the ceasefire. An unnamed Israeli official stated, “Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, which complicates the negotiations.” This corridor, integral for Israel's security strategy, has been contentious and remains one of the obstacles to achieving lasting peace.
Despite declarations of readiness from both sides, the road to peace continues to be laden with uncertainty. Hamas insists on its autonomy and commitment to Palestinian governance following the conflict, stating, "We are completely ready to implement any solutions agreed upon by the Palestinians," yet they vehemently oppose any external management or foreign troops intervening.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pointed out, “Gaza should be governed by the Palestinian Authority,” yet proposals have emerged, including some from the Trump administration, to potentially place Gaza under international oversight—suggestions which have infuriated Palestinian leaders and neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.
On the humanitarian front, negotiations have also taken place concerning the increase of aid to Gaza. According to the Egyptian state news, there are discussions focusing on how to bolster humanitarian support to mitigate the suffering of civilians, thereby increasing regional stability and showcasing the broader humanitarian concerns at play.
While the ceasefire negotiations appear to have stalled, Hamas’s commitment to eventual phases implies their willingness to return to the negotiating table, provided terms can be established amicably. Meanwhile, as the clock ticks down from the March 1 deadline, both sides find themselves at a pivotal juncture, with their next moves potentially shaping the future of peace—or renewed conflict—in the region.
The delicate balance of negotiations, characterized by recent hostage exchanges and complex geopolitical maneuvering, underlines the pressing need for both sides to give consideration to dialogue and mutual concessions. Only time will tell whether the resolve exhibited by each party can lead to lasting peace or if it will unravel back toward violence as has often been the case.