Hamas announced this Tuesday that it will not engage in further ceasefire negotiations unless Israel honors the existing agreement and releases Palestinian detainees who were supposed to be freed over the weekend.
“The resistance will not participate in new talks unless the occupation adheres to the agreement and fulfills the first-phase commitments. The failure to implement the humanitarian provisions and the delay in releasing the seventh batch of prisoners indicate Israel’s intent to undermine the deal and its lack of commitment to it,” said Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou.
He further stated that failing to fully implement the initial phase would hinder progress toward securing the release of the remaining Israeli captives.
Since the agreement was reached last month, Israel has repeatedly blocked the entry of essential equipment and mobile shelters into Gaza, violating the ceasefire. The first phase has now expired, and Tel Aviv has stalled negotiations for the next stage. Instead, Israeli officials aim to prolong the initial phase, with US envoy Steve Witkoff planning to discuss this extension during his upcoming visit to Israel.
Israel has also refused to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners who were scheduled to be freed on Saturday as part of the seventh prisoner exchange. On that day, Hamas released six Israeli captives. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now insisting that the bodies of four additional captives be returned before releasing Palestinian detainees, which contradicts the agreement. He has also prohibited Hamas from holding any ceremonies upon releasing the bodies.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen outlined four conditions for proceeding with the next phase of the agreement: the release of all Israeli captives, Hamas’ removal from Gaza, the disarmament of the territory, and Israeli control over security.
According to sources cited by the New York Times on 24 February, the Israeli military has made significant preparations for resuming combat in Gaza. Planned operations reportedly include targeting Hamas officials accused of diverting humanitarian aid and demolishing buildings and infrastructure used by the Hamas-led civilian administration.
However, the Israeli cabinet has not yet approved this strategy. The report suggests that only US President Donald Trump has the influence to dissuade Netanyahu from restarting the war.
If the ceasefire is not extended beyond the 1 March deadline, hostilities may not immediately resume as long as negotiations continue. However, the truce would face an increased risk of collapse, NYT added.
Meanwhile, Haaretz reported on 24 February that Netanyahu does not recognize a “second stage” of the agreement. The report claims that Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer informed Witkoff that Netanyahu intends to secure the release of all Israeli captives in a single exchange, with Palestinian prisoners released in return. If this approach fails, Israel is prepared to resume large-scale military action, including a version of the Generals’ Plan—which previously led to mass displacement, thousands of Palestinian deaths, and the severe weakening of Gaza’s healthcare system.
