Fragile ceasefire in Gaza

Multi-phase deal threatened by US President's plans to 'take over' the Strip after fighting is over

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HE FIFTH BATCH of three Israeli hostages were exchanged for 183 imprisoned Palestinians on Saturday amidst accusations by Hamas that Israel had breached the deal by preventing adequate aid shipments of tents and caravans every day into Gaza.

As if all this weren't bad enough, there is heightened uncertainty whether the multi-phase ceasefire agreement will hold up following US President Donald Trump's controversial statements that Gaza would be turned over to the US when the fighting ends and Palestinians have been resettled elsewhere. This will only embolden Israel to resile from its commitment to implement phase two and three of the agreement for a permanent cessation of hostilities and reconstruction of the largely demolished Strip.

The Gaza war was triggered by the incursion of Hamas forces into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages on October 7, 2023. The first phase of the ongoing deal that kicked in on January 19 extends for six weeks in which 33 Israeli captives will be released for 1,900 Palestinians.