Israel, Hamas Resume Ceasefire Talks Amid Tensions Over Gaza

Israel, Hamas Resume Ceasefire Talks Amid Tensions Over Gaza \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Negotiations between Israel, Hamas, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar resumed Thursday in Cairo to discuss the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, just days before its scheduled expiration. The talks aim to secure the release of remaining hostages and negotiate an Israeli military withdrawal. However, Israel’s refusal to leave the Philadelphi corridor along the Egyptian border complicates the discussions. Meanwhile, Hamas returned four hostage remains, and Israel released over 600 Palestinian prisoners in the latest exchange.

Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations: Quick Looks

• Ceasefire Talks Resume: Israel, Hamas, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are negotiating a second phase of the ceasefire.
• Key Issues at Stake: Talks focus on hostage releases, Israeli military withdrawal, and long-term truce terms.
• Israel’s Strategic Holdout: Israel refuses to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, citing security concerns.
• Hostage-Prisoner Exchange: Hamas released the remains of four hostages, while Israel freed over 600 Palestinian prisoners.
• Truce Deadline Approaching: The first phase of the ceasefire expires Saturday, putting pressure on negotiators.
• Humanitarian Aid Concerns: Discussions include increasing humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
• Trump Administration Involvement: U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in the region for talks.
• West Bank Tensions: At least eight people were wounded in a suspected car attack in northern Israel.

Deep Look

Israel and Hamas Begin Next Phase of Ceasefire Talks

With the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire set to expire this Saturday, officials from Israel, Hamas, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States convened in Cairo on Thursday to negotiate a potential extension and framework for a long-term truce.

The primary goals of Phase 2 discussions include:

• Securing the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
• Facilitating an Israeli military withdrawal from the territory.
• Determining conditions for a lasting ceasefire to end the war.

A third phase would involve recovering the remains of deceased hostages still held in Gaza.

While the negotiations offer a chance to extend peace efforts, deep divisions remain between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s objectives and Hamas’ demands.

Israel Refuses to Withdraw From Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor

A key point of contention is Israel’s stance on the Philadelphi corridor, a 14-kilometer stretch of land along Gaza’s border with Egypt.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was supposed to begin withdrawing from the corridor by Saturday and fully exit within eight days.

However, an Israeli official stated Thursday that:

• The Israeli military will not withdraw, citing security concerns over arms smuggling.
• The Philadelphi corridor is crucial for preventing Hamas from rearming.
• Tunnels along the border pose an ongoing security threat.

Hamas condemned Israel’s refusal to leave the corridor, calling it a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire terms. Egypt also opposes any long-term Israeli military presence on Gaza’s side of the border, adding further strain to the negotiations.

Hostage-Prisoner Exchange Continues Amid Tensions

Overnight, Hamas released the remains of four Israeli hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners—the final exchange planned under the first phase of the ceasefire.

Hostages Identified:
The bodies recovered were confirmed as:

1. Ohad Yahalomi
2. Itzhak Elgarat
3. Shlomo Mantzur (killed during Hamas’ October 7 attack)
4. Tsachi Idan

Israel stated that the other three were killed in captivity, but no details were provided.

Palestinian Prisoners Released:
Among the 600+ released detainees:

• 445 were men, while 21 were teenagers.
• Dozens of women were also freed.
• Most were held without formal charges after being detained in Gaza and the West Bank.

Israeli Leaders Face Dilemma Over Next Steps

Netanyahu has vowed to return all hostages and destroy Hamas, but balancing these objectives with ceasefire negotiations presents a challenge.

With Hamas still in control of Gaza, Israeli officials face a difficult choice:

1. Resume military operations, risking more Israeli and Palestinian casualties while attempting to eliminate Hamas.
2. Continue ceasefire talks, which could delay or derail Israel’s stated war goals.

The Trump administration has endorsed Israel’s push to eliminate Hamas while supporting hostage negotiations. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in the region in the coming days for discussions.

Humanitarian Concerns and Gaza’s Devastation

The war has devastated Gaza, with Palestinian health officials reporting:

• Over 48,000 Palestinians killed, with more than half being women and children.
• 90% of Gaza’s population displaced, leaving many without homes or access to basic resources.
• Severe destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and roads.

The ceasefire negotiations also include discussions on increasing humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering.

Tensions Rise as Suspected Militant Attack Injures Eight in Israel

While ceasefire negotiations were underway, a suspected car-ramming attack occurred in northern Israel, injuring at least eight people at a highway bus stop.

Israeli police identified the suspect as a 53-year-old Palestinian from the northern West Bank who was married to an Israeli citizen. Authorities shot and killed the suspect, calling the incident a terror attack.

With hostilities flaring in the West Bank, some fear the fragile ceasefire could collapse if violence escalates.

What’s Next? Key Developments to Watch

1. Ceasefire Extension: Will Israel and Hamas agree on Phase 2 negotiations, or will hostilities resume?
2. Philadelphi Corridor Standoff: Can Egypt and mediators convince Israel to withdraw, or will this derail the talks?
3. Hostage Releases: How many remaining hostages will Hamas agree to free in the next phase?
4. Long-Term Ceasefire Possibility: Will a deal be reached for a lasting end to the war, or will Israel resume its offensive?

With Saturday’s truce deadline fast approaching, the next 48 hours could determine whether peace talks continue or conflict resumes.

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