Ceasefire in Gaza expires today: Hamas says 'no negotiations held'... Israel remains silent
Hamas has issued a call to mediators and the international community. The organization demanded pressure be applied to Israel to fully comply with the agreement and to begin negotiations for moving to the second phase. Hamas emphasized that this process must be accelerated.
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12punto FOREIGN NEWS
The duration of the first phase of the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas expired today. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem announced that no talks have been held yet to move to the second phase of the ceasefire. Hamas announced that its proposal to extend the ceasefire in Gaza was rejected by Israel.
The time allotted for the first phase of the ceasefire, which began in Gaza on January 19, concluded today (March 1). While Hamas officials stated that they have not held any meetings with Israel during the prisoner exchange process, they called on the international community to mediate between them and Israel.
An Israeli official speaking to The Jerusalem Post stated that extending the ceasefire to cover the month of Ramadan could be possible in exchange for the release of four male Israeli hostages and critically injured hostages. Despite the expiration of the ceasefire, there has been no official statement from either side regarding the resumption of hostilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted in his statements throughout the past week that the ceasefire could end. Figures within Netanyahu's cabinet have also made remarks regarding their intention to resume attacks on Gaza.
PRISONER EXCHANGE COMPLETED
The seventh round of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement reached between Hamas and Israel was completed with a delay. The 641 Palestinian prisoners expected to be released on February 22 regained their freedom on February 26 after Israel delayed the return process. The bodies of the last four Israeli hostages who were supposed to be handed over in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement also reached Israel.
The Palestinian prisoners released from the Ofer Military Prison in the occupied West Bank and the Ketziot Prison in southern Israel were handed over to Red Cross teams. The Israeli army conducted a raid on the town of Beitunia in the West Bank prior to the passage of the convoy.
The Red Cross convoy, which left the Ofer Military Prison and arrived in Ramallah, was greeted by a large crowd in front of the museum bearing the name of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. With the completion of the seventh round of the prisoner exchange, all 33 Israeli hostages who were supposed to be released in the first phase of the agreement have been handed over. The number of released Palestinian prisoners has risen to 1776.
TRUMP'S GAZA STATEMENTS
US President Donald Trump stated that harsh measures could be taken against Gaza if Hamas does not release the Israeli hostages. Trump emphasized that all hostages must be released for the continuation of the ceasefire agreement.
In a statement at the White House, he claimed that Hamas was treating the hostages poorly and that the released hostages were in bad condition. Accusing Hamas of not keeping its word, Trump suggested that Israel could resume its attacks. He said the released Israeli hostages appeared to be in 'very bad condition'.
Hinting that Netanyahu could target Gaza again, Trump made the following remarks:
''Israel's patience is running out. I don't know what will happen if Hamas does not release the hostages. The ceasefire agreement could end if the remaining hostages in Hamas's hands are not released. If I were in their position, I would take a very tough stance. Hamas has completely changed. They want to release the hostages now, but you have to see that this started with them saying 'we will not release the prisoners'.''