Israel-Hamas Truce at Crossroads as First Phase Ends

Negotiations in Cairo stall over next steps, with disputes on prisoner exchanges and territorial conditions complicating progress.

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas truce, effective since January 19, ends today, halting a 15-month war but leaving future agreements uncertain.
Israel seeks to extend the first phase to secure additional hostage releases, while Hamas demands immediate progression to the second phase as outlined in the truce agreement.
The second phase, originally set to begin tomorrow, includes the release of remaining hostages, further prisoner exchanges, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, though no consensus has been reached.
The truce has so far facilitated the release of 33 hostages and over 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, but 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead.
The fragile negotiations coincide with the start of Ramadan, intensifying tensions as both sides face internal and international pressures to avoid a return to conflict.