Recap:
Israel mobilized its reservists after Hamas said it would not release Israeli hostages this week as planned. As of Thursday, however, Hamas agreed to proceed with the next phase of the hostage release.
The Context:
· The latest war between Israel and Hamas began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of more than 250 people into Gaza. In response, Israel launched an extensive military campaign, leading to tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and the displacement of a majority of Gaza’s population.
· A temporary ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with US backing, took effect on January 19th, 2025. The agreement called for the phased release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. So far, 16 out of 33 hostages scheduled for release in the current phase have been freed by Hamas, while Israel has released 656 Palestinian prisoners from a list of nearly 2,000.
· Hamas accused Israel of violating the terms of the deal including “delaying the return of displaced people to northern Gaza and failing to allow the entry of humanitarian aid". Israel denied the allegations, countering that Hamas is stalling, especially after last week’s release of Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami in severely deteriorated health conditions. This prompted President Trump, who compared the hostages to "Holocaust survivors”, to announce that if all hostages were not released by Saturday, the ceasefire would be voided.
· Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said "Hamas will not accept the language of American and Israeli threats," while also insisting that the group remains committed to the ceasefire if Israel adheres to its obligations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced Trump’s position saying if “Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon – the ceasefire will end" although it was unclear whether he was referring to the three hostages due for release on Saturday or all remaining captives, as per Trump’s demand.
· Last week Trump proposed a controversial future for Gaza, advocating for US control of the territory and the resettlement of Palestinians. The plan has been met with strong opposition from Egypt, Jordan, and much of the Arab world, who fear they will be the ones forced to absorb the Palestinian refugees. Israeli leaders praised the plan as breathing new life into a stalled process.
Conversation Points:
· How will Trump’s ultimatum influence Hamas' decision-making and strategy?
· What are the chances that Hamas will forfeit its leverage and release all remaining hostages?
· Can Netanyahu diverge from Trump’s demands without straining US-Israel relations?
· What role should Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations play in supporting Palestinians?
Notes:
· Reuters, "Israel calls up reservists as fears for fragile Gaza ceasefire rise," Feb. 12, 2025.
· CNN, "What you need to know as Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal hangs on by a thread," Feb. 12, 2025.
· Al Jazeera, "Hamas delegation in Egypt as mediators push to maintain Gaza ceasefire," Feb. 12, 2025.
· Fox News, "Israeli cabinet backs Trump’s demand for Hamas to release all hostages by Saturday deadline," Feb. 11, 2025.
· BBC News, "Israel says Gaza ceasefire will end if Hamas does not free hostages by Saturday," Feb. 12, 2025.
· Times of Israel, "Netanyahu: Intense fighting will resume if Hamas fails to comply," Feb. 12, 2025.
· Al Jazeera, "Hamas considers Israel’s demands a complete violation of the truce," Feb. 12, 2025.
Yorumlar