Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a 42-day truce with Hamas for the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for over 1,700 Palestinian prisoners and aid to Gaza. The ceasefire agreement, supported by then-US President Joe Biden, resembles a deal that had been on the table for nearly a year.
Phase two of the ceasefire, meant to last another 42 days, involves the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of all living hostages held by Hamas. However, Netanyahu has shown reluctance towards this framework, missing deadlines and opting to visit US President Donald Trump instead of sending a negotiating team.
While Hamas has committed to the ceasefire, the question of disarmament and Gaza's governance remains unanswered. Hamas leaders have expressed mixed sentiments, with some open to stepping aside from governing Gaza under certain conditions.
Netanyahu's vision for Gaza post-war involves emigration of Palestinians and the construction of a new settlement, rejecting both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas as governing bodies.
As discussions continue, the possibility of extending phase one of the ceasefire looms, aligning with a desire for regional settlement and avoiding immediate conflict. However, the reluctance of Hamas to give up hostages without a commitment to end the war poses a challenge to ongoing negotiations.
Former Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin warns of potential consequences if the war resumes, emphasizing the need for political decisions over further warfare.
