ALBAWABA - As the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas reaches its deadline, uncertainty prevails over the next steps in negotiations. While Israel weighs its options, the U.S. and international mediators push for a continued ceasefire, amid warnings of dire consequences if hostilities resume.
U.S. Envoy to Arrive for Talks on Ceasefire
According to Israel's public broadcaster, U.S. Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff is expected to visit Israel next week to oversee negotiations and reinforce the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold high-level consultations today regarding Israeli hostages still held in Gaza and the potential return of Israeli negotiators to Cairo.
Netanyahu convened a late-night meeting with senior officials from the defense, foreign affairs, and finance ministries, as well as top military and intelligence figures, to assess the situation ahead of the ceasefire’s expiration.
Is Israel Preparing for a Military Operation?
Israeli media reports indicate that Netanyahu is seriously considering resuming military operations if negotiations stall. Officials quoted by Channel 13 revealed that the latest talks in Cairo were unproductive, with Israel refusing to withdraw from Gaza and mediators requesting more time to broker a resolution.
Israeli officials have suggested that Washington supports Tel Aviv’s military options should Israel decide to resume hostilities.
Hostages’ Families Appeal to Trump to Prevent Netanyahu from Sabotaging the Deal
Amid growing tensions, families of Israeli hostages have called on U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and prevent Netanyahu from derailing the ceasefire deal for political reasons.
In a joint statement, the families said:
The statement accused Netanyahu of stalling the agreement and demanded the immediate start of the second phase of the deal.
The family of Tsahi Aidan, an Israeli hostage whose body was returned in the latest exchange, also urged continued protests to pressure the government into securing the release of all remaining captives.
With the ceasefire deadline approaching, global concerns mount over the possibility of renewed fighting. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that resuming hostilities would be catastrophic, urging:
Similarly, Jordan’s King Abdullah II emphasized the need for Gaza’s reconstruction and the continuation of the ceasefire. In a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he stressed that rebuilding Gaza must proceed without forced displacement of its residents.
As the first phase of the ceasefire agreement concludes, Gaza remains on edge, awaiting further negotiations. Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement and urged international mediators to pressure Israel into honoring its obligations.
