Uncertainty Looms as Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Phase Ends

Negotiations for a second phase stall, with disagreements over troop withdrawal and governance of Gaza threatening future peace efforts.

The initial 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which began on January 19, has officially ended, with no agreement yet on a second phase.
Hamas released 25 hostages and returned 8 bodies during the first phase, while Israel freed 1,777 Palestinian prisoners, fulfilling the initial terms of the deal.
Israel seeks to extend the ceasefire and secure the release of remaining hostages, while Hamas insists on moving to the next phase, which includes Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
Israel's refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor near the Egypt-Gaza border, citing concerns over weapons smuggling, has become a major sticking point in talks.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with displaced residents facing harsh winter conditions and limited reconstruction efforts planned for a later phase of the agreement.