Why it matters:
The Israeli regime is pushing for the elimination of Hamas' military capabilities before proceeding with further ceasefire negotiations, which has raised doubts about the long-term viability of the truce and the prospect of a permanent ceasefire.
The big picture:
The current ceasefire, which began on January 19, was structured in three phases, with indirect negotiations planned to determine further prisoner exchanges and the Israeli regime’s withdrawal from Gaza. However, the regime says that its military will continue to occupy parts of Gaza.
What they’re saying:
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri: “Any talk about the resistance’s weapons is nonsense. The resistance’s weapons are a red line for Hamas and all resistance factions.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar: “We demand total demilitarization of Gaza, (and) Hamas and Islamic Jihad out and give us our hostages… If Hamas agrees, we can implement (the deal) tomorrow.”
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem rejected the Israeli regime’s call to extend phase one of the ceasefire, urging international pressure on Tel Aviv to move to the next stage.
Key points:
- The Israeli regime’s precondition for Gaza’s demilitarization blocks further progress on the three-phase ceasefire deal.
- Hamas insists that further prisoner exchange will only occur under phase two of the truce negotiations.
- Despite losses in Gaza, Hamas has not conceded to the Israeli regime’s terms, maintaining its stance on armed resistance.
- Netanyahu has framed the ceasefire as temporary, insisting to continue the regime's genocidal campaign.
Go deeper:
The ceasefire remains fragile, with the Israeli regime and Hamas locked in a high-stakes standoff over key conditions. Hamas' military strength is essential to Palestinian resistance, while the Israeli regime sees its eradication as the only way to fully occupy Gaza. The coming weeks will determine whether negotiations can move forward or if Israeli hostilities will resume, further escalating tensions in the region.
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Mojtaba Darabi
