Israel and Hamas are in the midst of a ceasefire that is set to expire in less than a week. The ceasefire, initially negotiated in the final days of the Biden administration, aimed to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. The first phase of the agreement included a six-week pause in fighting and the release of hostages on both sides, but tensions have risen due to accusations of violations from both parties.
Israel is currently delaying the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners until the next hostages are ensured without any “humiliating ceremonies.” The staged ceremonies by Hamas, including hostages being led by armed militants and caskets containing bodies of children, have drawn criticism and threatened the potential for an extension of the ceasefire.
The U.S., under the Trump administration, is backing Israel’s decision to delay the prisoner release and is prepared to support Israel in its actions against Hamas. As the ceasefire approaches its expiration, discussions about a possible extension are ongoing, although a second-phase agreement is yet to be finalized.
There is uncertainty surrounding whether the ceasefire will be extended, with the possibility of a return to fighting or a freeze in the current situation if no agreement is reached by Friday. Negotiations to bridge the gaps between Israel and Hamas in the second phase of the ceasefire are ongoing, with hopes for a continuation of the truce. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is optimistic about the ceasefire extension as he plans to travel to the region to push for its continuation.
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