The Gaza ceasefire deal has encountered a significant delay as tensions between Israel and Hamas remain high. Israel has stated that it "continues to attack" targets in Gaza, citing Hamas' failure to comply with key aspects of the truce agreement. The primary sticking point is Hamas’ inability or refusal to provide a confirmed list of the 33 Israeli hostages to be released, a condition that must be fulfilled before the truce can begin. The ceasefire, initially scheduled to take effect at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, was expected to provide a temporary reprieve from the ongoing conflict.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported continuing operations in Gaza, targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in northern and central regions. "A short while ago, IDF artillery and aircraft struck a number of terrorist targets in northern and central Gaza. The IDF remains ready in offense and defense and will not allow any harm to the citizens of Israel," read a statement from the IDF posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, stated unequivocally that the ceasefire would not proceed until Hamas fulfills its commitments. "As of this morning, Hamas has not fulfilled its obligations and, contrary to the agreement, has not provided Israel with the names of the returning female hostages. Until Hamas fulfills its commitments, the ceasefire will not come into effect," he said during a briefing.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this position, emphasizing Israel's firm stance against violations of the agreement. "We will not move forward with the agreement until we receive the list of hostages who will be released, as agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas," he said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Hamas responded by attributing the delay to "technical field reasons" while reiterating its commitment to the terms of the ceasefire. The group stated through a spokesperson that it remains dedicated to implementing the deal as announced last week, despite the current setbacks.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar with the backing of international mediators, is seen as a critical step toward de-escalating the violent conflict that has caused widespread devastation in Gaza and profound suffering for its residents. Under the terms of the deal, 33 of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages, many of them women and children, are expected to be freed by Hamas. In return, Israel has agreed to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners currently held in its detention facilities.
This phase of the ceasefire, once initiated, is planned to last for 42 days. However, the delay has heightened frustrations on both sides and has drawn the attention of international mediators who are striving to salvage the agreement. Observers have noted that the truce represents not only a chance for temporary calm but also a rare opportunity for humanitarian aid to reach the besieged population in Gaza.
The ongoing violence underscores the fragility of the situation. Despite the truce's potential to halt hostilities temporarily, both sides remain deeply distrustful of each other, complicating the implementation of any agreement. In the meantime, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with reports of significant casualties and infrastructure damage in Gaza as Israeli forces persist in their military operations.
The delay in the ceasefire also has broader implications for regional stability. It highlights the difficulty of reaching and enforcing agreements in a deeply polarized and volatile environment. With international pressure mounting, all eyes are now on Qatar and other mediators to ensure that both parties honor their commitments, paving the way for a desperately needed respite in the ongoing hostilities.
