Swap Deal on Hold Until Completion of Second Phase of Ceasefire Talks

In a recent statement, the Gaza-based resistance group has accused the Israeli regime of attempting to evade crucial discussions regarding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. This situation raises significant concerns surrounding the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.

The statement from the group highlighted that “the statement issued by the office of the terrorist [Israeli] occupation Prime Minister Netanyahu, regarding his alleged approval of American proposals to extend the first phase of the agreement under arrangements that violate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, is a blatant attempt to evade the agreement and avoid entering negotiations for its second phase,” as reported by PressTV.

As the initial 42-day phase of the ceasefire came to an end on Saturday, Netanyahu’s office announced a unilateral decision to adopt a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for an extension of the ceasefire’s first phase throughout the Ramadan and Passover periods. This unilateral move has been met with skepticism and criticism from Hamas.

“We affirm that the only way for the [Israeli] occupation to recover its prisoners is to abide by the agreement and immediately enter negotiations for the second phase while fulfilling its obligations,” the statement emphasized. This underscores the need for transparent dialogue and adherence to agreements made.

• Over 2,000 Palestinian individuals are reportedly being held illegally in Israeli prisons in exchange for 25 Israeli captives and the remains of eight others.
• Israeli authorities maintain that 27 captives are still being held within the Gaza Strip, alongside 32 bodies that remain unrecovered.

In light of the ongoing tensions, Hamas has called on the U.S. administration to reconsider its stance, accusing it of bias and alignment with what they describe as the “fascist plans of war criminal Netanyahu, which target our people and their very existence on their land.”

Furthermore, Hamas criticized Israel for its “daily” and “systematic violations” of the ceasefire, which they claim have resulted in significant casualties, including over 100 Palestinians lost in Gaza. The group highlighted the obstruction of humanitarian protocols, the prevention of essential aid supplies, and the exacerbation of the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip.

“We urge mediators to pressure the occupation into fulfilling its commitments under the agreement, ensuring the implementation of the humanitarian protocol, and allowing the entry of shelter materials and rescue equipment into Gaza,” they added, reflecting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the area.

On Saturday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem openly rejected Israel’s proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, emphasizing the necessity for the international community to exert pressure on Tel Aviv to move forward with the second phase of the agreement as originally intended. He stated, “Extending the first phase of the deal in the form proposed by Israel is unacceptable” to the resistance group, asserting that the occupying regime is fully responsible for the delay in negotiations.

Qassem further indicated that the Israeli regime is evading its commitment to ending the war and fully withdrawing from Gaza, suggesting that it is attempting to reset the situation by revising its proposals instead of adhering to the initial agreements.

The conflict escalated significantly after Israel launched what has been described as a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. This action was reportedly in response to a historic operation carried out by Hamas, which was seen as retaliation for intensified Israeli aggression against the Palestinian populace.

Despite the military efforts, the Tel Aviv regime did not achieve its declared objectives of freeing captives or eliminating Hamas. Disturbingly, reports indicate that at least 48,348 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have lost their lives as a result of the violence.

The ongoing situation in Gaza remains critical, with calls for peace and adherence to human rights becoming ever more urgent. The international community’s role in mediating and facilitating dialogue is crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis and moving towards a sustainable resolution.