Hamas Rejects Extending First Phase of Gaza Ceasefire, Ties Hostage Release to Phased Deal.
Hamas will not agree to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal as requested by Israel, a senior Hamas official said Sunday. The group's decision is based on its insistence that Israeli actions in recent weeks must be halted before any extension can take place. The ongoing violence has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction, with many Palestinians left without access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
- This standoff highlights the complex web of interests and demands between Hamas and Israel, where small concessions are often seen as too costly by one side, leading to a stalemate that endangers fragile peace efforts.
- What will be the ultimate cost to civilians in Gaza if Hamas's demands for an immediate halt to Israeli actions remain unmet, and how will it impact the already precarious humanitarian situation?