Efforts Intensify for Extended Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict

Negotiations aimed at extending the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are gaining momentum. Discussions regarding the second phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, which involves the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, are expected to resume this week at a yet-to-be-disclosed location. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described his recent conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad as 'productive and constructive.'

The current ceasefire, which has been in place since January 19, is set to expire on March 1. It was established through negotiations mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, leading to a preliminary agreement for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. As of today, the hostages have been held for 500 days, with 73 individuals still in captivity, of whom 36 are believed to have died. The families of the captives held a demonstration today, titled 'Bring Them Back from Hell,' which included a day of fasting and a rally in Tel Aviv.

Prime Minister Netanyahu warned during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the 'gates of hell' would open in Gaza if the hostages are not released. Meanwhile, the situation is similarly precarious concerning the ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Naim Kassim demanded in a televised address that Israel must fully withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18, as per their agreement. Kassim emphasized that any continued Israeli presence beyond this date would be regarded as an occupation, which would prompt a strong response.

Reports suggest that Israel is seeking to extend the withdrawal deadline to February 28, a proposal that has been rejected by Lebanese officials, including Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and President Joseph Aoun. According to Israeli sources, the Lebanese military is not moving quickly enough to ensure compliance with the ceasefire and prevent Hezbollah from returning to southern Lebanon.

In the meantime, Israel's security cabinet is convening today to discuss the second phase of the Gaza agreement, following Witkoff's announcement. An Israeli delegation will also travel to Cairo for further talks. Netanyahu faces criticism from protesters in Tel Aviv, who accuse him of undermining the continuation of the ceasefire to appease his far-right coalition partners. These hardliners advocate for the continuation of military operations in Gaza and the complete dismantling of Hamas. Recently, Israel received a shipment of heavy bombs, reportedly between 1,600 and 1,800 units, which could potentially escalate military actions.

Secretary of State Rubio reiterated in Israel that Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, must be dismantled. He emphasized that as long as Hamas poses a threat to Israel, peace remains unattainable. The conflict was reignited following a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of around 250 individuals into Gaza.