Gaza Ceasefire At Risk As Arab Mediators Race To Prevent Renewed Conflict

Arab mediators are working hard to stave off the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire, with Israel reinforcing its military presence near the strip, poised for a weekend breakdown of the truce.

On Wednesday, a Hamas delegation headed to Cairo to discuss possible resolutions, while Egyptian and Qatari mediators intensified their efforts to pressure Israel to fulfill Hamas’s demands in advance of a Saturday deadline for the release of hostages. Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi noted there were “positive signals” for the release but cautioned that Israel did not yet commit to the full implementation of the agreement-text.

The ceasefire, which has lasted three weeks, was left in limbo when Hamas delayed the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, in violation of the agreement because of Israeli violations including attacks on the Palestinian population and restrictions on humanitarian assistance. Although Israel counters these accusations, in Rafah, they did admit to having carried out an airstrike directed against individuals associated with flying a drone.

Tensions escalated with the surprise declaration by US President Donald Trump that Washington would oversee Gaza reconstruction. Hamas, skeptical of US assurances, questioned whether Israel was committed to any ceasefire. Mentioning other actions taken by Israel, Trump cautioned of dire consequences if all remaining Israeli hostages were not freed by Saturday, a point echoed by officials in Israel. It keeps everyone guessing since he has not explicitly backed that demand by Trump.

Egypt and Jordan also turned down Trump’s call for the resettlement of Gaza’s population, stressing the regional option of reconstruction. The UN has pressed all sides to act to stop the further hostilities before the consequences become dire in humanitarian terms.

The ceasefire, which ended a furious 15-month standoff in hostilities, was further strained with claims of violations mounting from both ends. With rising tensions, mediators are racing to avert further damages to the already fragile peace effort.