Gaza, DZWatch – Despite international pressure, particularly from the United States, the Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is reportedly resisting a swift transition to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the existing agreement.
According to an Israeli security source cited by the official broadcasting corporation, the implementation of phase two remains ‘distant.’ A key obstacle appears to be the lack of international consensus on deploying a stabilization force in Gaza, a provision outlined in the agreement.
The source also indicated that Israel is prioritizing the recovery of the body of soldier Ran Guili, the last remaining body Israel seeks to retrieve from Gaza. The news website Walla reported that Israel is withstanding American pressure to expedite the transition until Guili’s remains are returned.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the initial phase of the agreement is nearing its conclusion. He emphasized that Israel would determine its own course of action and responses. He also reiterated the commitment to retrieve Guili’s body, stating that significant efforts are underway.
Reports indicate ongoing violations of the ceasefire. A DZWatch correspondent reported that Israeli shelling targeted a residential building in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. The Israeli military claimed to have killed a Palestinian who crossed the ‘yellow line’ in northern Gaza, alleging he posed an ‘imminent threat’ to their forces.
Hamas has condemned the alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, calling on mediators and guarantor states to intervene and prevent Israel from undermining the agreement. Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas leader in Gaza, affirmed the movement’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement in a televised address marking the 38th anniversary of the movement’s founding.
Al-Hayya stated that initiating phase two of the agreement is a priority for Hamas, aiming for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. He further emphasized that the role of international forces in Gaza should be limited to maintaining the ceasefire and separating the two sides along the border of the Gaza Strip.
