The fragile truce in effect in Gaza since October 10 is once again under strain following new statements from Hamas, which accuses Israel of "violations" of the agreement and insists that the second phase of the ceasefire can't move forward.
However, behind the accusations, Israeli sources point out, there is a familiar pattern: delaying processes, avoiding key commitments, and maintaining political pressure on international mediators.
Hossam Badran, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told AFP that "the second phase can't begin while the occupation continues its violations of the agreement and evades its commitments". According to him, Hamas has asked mediators to "pressure" Israel to fully implement the first stage.
However, that first stage—clearly defined in the agreement documents—requires something very specific: the release of all hostages. At this point, Israel emphasizes that the Islamist organization still has not complied.
Hamas still holds the body of hostage Ran Gvili, now arguing that "it can't find it", an explanation that in Jerusalem is interpreted as yet another sign of evasion and lack of transparency.
The second phase of the agreement provides for the entry of an international stabilization force and, above all, the disarmament process of Hamas, an indispensable condition for any scenario of reconstruction and lasting security in the Strip.
Hamas's refusal to move toward this stage is, for Israel, a clear indication that the organization seeks to preserve its military power at all costs.
