Tensions are escalating in Gaza as Hamas accuses Israel of endangering a five-week-old truce by delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, halted more than 15 months of war but now faces uncertainty as both sides accuse each other of violations.
The truce’s first phase, set to conclude in early March, has yet to secure agreements for a subsequent phase. A key point of contention is the manner in which Hamas has released Israeli hostages. In several public ceremonies, armed militants have escorted captives onto stages before crowds, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to condemn the events as “humiliating ceremonies.” The Red Cross has urged both parties to conduct swaps in a “dignified and private” manner.
On Saturday, Hamas released six Israeli captives in one such ceremony. However, Israel postponed the scheduled release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners in response, citing what it calls Hamas’ “disgraceful” handling of hostage transfers. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim warned that the delay puts the entire agreement “in grave danger” and called on mediators, particularly the U.S., to pressure Israel into fulfilling its commitments.
Escalation in the West Bank
As tensions rise over the truce, Israel announced an expansion of military operations in the occupied West Bank. On Sunday, the Israeli military deployed a tank division to Jenin, marking the first such deployment in 20 years. Israeli forces have been conducting operations in the area since the Gaza truce began, leading to what the United Nations describes as the “forced displacement” of 40,000 Palestinians.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, instructed troops to prepare for a “prolonged presence” in cleared refugee camps throughout the year. The decision further complicates an already fragile ceasefire as violence continues in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Hostage Transfers and Disputed Casualties
Saturday’s release of six Israeli hostages marked the final group of living captives to be freed under the first phase of the truce. However, controversy surrounds the return of deceased hostages. Last Thursday, Hamas handed over four bodies, but an investigation concluded that the remains of Israeli captive Shiri Bibas were missing. Hamas later admitted a possible “mix-up of bodies” and returned additional remains on Friday, which were identified as Bibas’. Hamas claims she and her two sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike, though Israeli forensic experts dispute this.
With no clear path forward, the fate of the truce remains uncertain as both sides navigate mounting tensions.
