Tensions around the Gaza ceasefire are intensifying as Israel moves to suspend humanitarian aid, complicate negotiations, and insist on revised terms, sparking fears of renewed conflict. On March 2, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the approval of a temporary ceasefire proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, intended to halt hostilities during the important periods of Ramadan and Passover. This agreement was seen as urgent, coinciding with the expiration of the first phase of the previously settled ceasefire.
According to Netanyahu's office, the ceasefire proposal includes the release of half of the hostages held by Hamas—both alive and deceased—on the first day of the ceasefire. The remaining captives would be freed after the establishment of a permanent ceasefire. While Israel is ready to negotiate for this ceasefire extension, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem has rejected the conditions as presented by Israel. He expressed reservations without directly commenting on Witkoff’s plan.
"According to the agreement, Israel can resume military operations after 42 days if it finds the negotiations ineffective," the statement from Netanyahu's office argued, simultaneously accusing Hamas of violating the existing ceasefire agreement.
Adding to the complexity, two Palestinian officials involved in the ceasefire negotiations disclosed to Reuters the details of Israel's reluctance to move past the first phase of the ceasefire. Instead, they indicated, Israel has sought to extend the initial phase as leverage to secure the release of additional Israeli hostages. Hamas, insisting on immediate discussions for the second stage of the agreement, rejected the Israeli proposition, calling for adherence to the original timeline and conditions.
The first phase of the ceasefire, initiated on January 19, had previously resulted in the release of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals by Hamas, in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This truce had raised hopes for improved dialogue between the two parties but has now faced significant setbacks.
Following the declaration of the ceasefire expiration, Israel announced on March 2 the suspension of all humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, attributing the move to Hamas’s insistence on not extending the current ceasefire phase. The Israeli government stated, "as of this morning, entry of all goods and supplies to the Gaza Strip be halted," highlighting rising tensions.
Critics argue this halt on aid exacerbates the dire humanitarian situation already affecting Gaza, which has seen over 48,000 casualties since the conflict escalated. Humanitarian organizations have pleaded for immediate easing of restrictions, especially with the heavy toll on the civilian population.
Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir lauded Israel's decision to suspend humanitarian assistance, advocating for more severe measures and declaring, "This policy should remain in place until the last hostage returns. Now is the time to open the gates of hell, cut electricity and water, and resume the war.” His remarks reveal the hardline sentiment brewing within parts of Israeli leadership circles.
On the flip side, Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri remarked on the aid suspension, stating it complicates negotiations yet adding, "the group doesn’t respond to pressure.” This reflects the complex interplay of positions both sides are taking as the ceasefire remains fraught with uncertainty.
With the humanitarian aid now blocked and global pressure mounting, the situation's volatility leaves many concerned about the potential for renewed escalations. The international community watches closely as the U.S. continues to promote its stance, yet there has been no fruitful breakthrough since talks resumed last month, especially during rounds conducted recently in Cairo.
The crux of the matter remains: will the fragile ceasefire hold amid such stark opposition and rising military posturing? The outcome seems veiled in uncertainty as history has shown the cyclical nature of conflict within the Gaza region. Key actors are at odds, with Israel clinging to its demands for new terms backed by U.S. support, as Hamas and Egypt remain staunch on their calls for establishing a permanent ceasefire.
The future will reveal if the aspirations for peace can outlast the deep-seated hostilities and power struggles defining this long-standing conflict. With countless lives at stake, the pressing question is whether diplomacy will prevail or if the region will descend once again back to heightened conflict.