Ongoing Efforts to Extend the Gaza Cease-Fire Deal

The Middle East remains a focal point of international diplomacy as President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, prepares to return to the region. His mission is to negotiate an extension of the first phase of the Gaza cease-fire deal, which is set to expire on Sunday. The fragile truce is teetering on the brink of collapse due to rising tensions between Israel and Hamas, particularly over the handling of hostage handovers. Hamas has been criticized for staging public displays during the release of hostages, which Israel has deemed unacceptable. The situation is further complicated by Israel’s insistence that Hamas must release the bodies of four remaining hostages before it will proceed with freeing 602 Palestinian prisoners, as originally agreed upon in the cease-fire deal.

Israel’s Stance and the Strained Cease-Fire

The cease-fire agreement has hit a roadblock, with both sides accusing each other of violating its terms. Israel has halted negotiations for phase two of the deal due to what it describes as Hamas’ non-compliance. One major point of contention was Hamas’ delayed release of the body of Shiri Bibas, an Israeli mother who was killed during the conflict. The delay, which was eventually corrected, prompted Israel to suspend the release of Palestinian prisoners, which was scheduled to take place over the weekend. Hamas has responded by accusing Israel of breaching the truce and has suspended further negotiations until the prisoners are freed.

The Challenges of Extending Phase One

Steve Witkoff’s upcoming visit to the Middle East signals a shift in the Trump administration’s approach to the negotiations. For the first time, a member of the administration has publicly acknowledged that the primary goal is to extend phase one of the cease-fire rather than advancing to phase two. Phase one has allowed for a temporary reduction in hostilities, but the transition to phase two would require addressing far more complex issues, including the release of all remaining living hostages and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. Extending phase one, therefore, offers a pragmatic solution to maintain the fragile peace without immediately grappling with the deeply contentious issues that phase two entails.

The Complexity of Phase Two Negotiations

Phase two of the cease-fire deal presents a daunting set of challenges, particularly the question of who will govern Gaza. Hamas, which Israel and the U.S. have deemed a terrorist organization, appears to have reasserted its control over the Palestinian enclave. This has led Israel and its allies to insist that Hamas cannot remain in power under any circumstances. However, the alternative—allowing the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, to take control of Gaza—has been met with resistance from Israel. This impasse has left the future of Gaza’s governance uncertain, with Hamas effectively operating as the de facto ruler.

The U.S. Position and the Humanitarian Dimension

Despite the challenges, Steve Witkoff has emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander, who remains in Hamas custody. Witkoff has made it clear that while the U.S. hopes to see the cease-fire progress to its second phase, it will also support Israel’s right to resume military action if necessary. This stance underscores the delicate balance the U.S. is trying to maintain in the region, where humanitarian concerns and strategic interests often collide.

The Controversial Plan for Gaza’s Future

The situation in Gaza is further complicated by President Trump’s controversial proposal to permanently remove over 2 million Palestinians from the region. While Witkoff has downplayed the plan as “not an eviction plan,” the lack of clarity on when or if these refugees would be allowed to return has raised significant humanitarian concerns. The proposal has been met with widespread criticism, as it appears to sidestep the core issues driving the conflict and could exacerbate the already dire conditions in Gaza. As the cease-fire hangs in the balance, the international community is urging all parties to prioritize diplomacy and seek a path toward lasting peace.