Efforts to extend the temporary truce in Gaza have hit an impasse, with the United States rejecting Hamas’ demands as “entirely impractical.” Negotiators have been engaged in indirect discussions in Qatar, but a Palestinian official told the BBC that no agreement had been reached.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began in January, ended on March 1. Under the deal, Hamas released 25 living Israeli hostages, the remains of eight others, and five Thai nationals, while Israel freed approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase was expected to involve the release of more hostages in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners. However, disagreements between Israel and Hamas have prevented progress.
The United States proposed extending the first phase of the truce until mid-April, hoping to facilitate further exchanges. However, Hamas has insisted on conditions that the US and Israel consider unacceptable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel accepted the US proposal but accused Hamas of refusing to compromise, claiming the group was engaging in “manipulation and psychological warfare.”
A key point of contention is the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The original ceasefire deal stipulates that Israeli troops should have already begun leaving, but Israel has resisted this demand, while Hamas insists it is a non-negotiable condition. This deadlock has halted discussions on the next steps of the agreement.
The White House issued a strong warning to Hamas, stating, “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not.” The US National Security Council reiterated that Hamas was well aware of the negotiation deadlines and that consequences would follow if they failed to comply.
In response, a Hamas statement seen by the BBC confirmed that negotiations had collapsed. Meanwhile, Israel has halted all aid, electricity, food, and fuel deliveries to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas into accepting a deal.
With no resolution in sight, the fate of the ceasefire remains uncertain, heightening concerns about renewed violence in the region.
