Hamas calls for more international pressure on Israel before ceasefire’s next phase

Hamas Calls for Increased International Pressure on Israel Before Advancing Ceasefire

Hamas is calling for greater international pressure on Israel before proceeding to the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, with a senior leader demanding that Israel open a critical border crossing, halt deadly strikes, and increase humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged territory.

The militant group’s demand comes as Israel’s government indicates readiness to advance to the more complex second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials are simultaneously urging Hamas to return the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, a key component of the deal.

Husam Badran, a member of Hamas’ political wing, emphasized the need for “full implementation of all the terms of the first phase” before moving forward. His demands include ending what he described as the ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes in areas still under Israeli control. The statements represent a notable hardening in Hamas’ position regarding the ceasefire process.

According to Palestinian health officials, Israeli airstrikes and shootings in Gaza have resulted in at least 376 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, underscoring the fragile nature of the agreement.

Despite Hamas’ firm stance, analysts note the group holds limited leverage in negotiations. Regional powers like Qatar and Turkey, which have played mediating roles, could exert significant pressure on Hamas to maintain the ceasefire momentum rather than impede progress.

Israel has countered with accusations that Hamas violated the ceasefire terms. Israeli officials maintain that recent military actions in Gaza are responses to militant attacks against their soldiers. They further assert that troops have fired on Palestinians who approached the “Yellow Line” – an ambiguous boundary separating Israeli-controlled territory from the rest of Gaza.

While Israel claims those killed near this boundary were suspected militants posing threats to their forces, evidence suggests civilians, including women and children, have been among the casualties – individuals who may have simply ventured too close to the demarcation line.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire despite the ceasefire. The United Nations and other aid organizations report that aid deliveries fall significantly short of what’s needed in a territory where parts have faced famine conditions. Under the ceasefire agreement, supply trucks were supposed to increase to at least 600 daily, but UN monitoring shows an average of only 120 trucks entering Gaza daily over the past month. This figure excludes commercial trucks, whose exact numbers remain unclear.

COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing aid coordination, claims 600-800 trucks enter daily. However, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA reports that many commercial goods remain unaffordable for most Palestinians. The agency noted, “Dietary diversity remains poor, with essential protein sources still largely unavailable,” adding that medical supply deliveries have “not increased in any meaningful way,” leaving some hospitals with severe shortages of essential medications and supplies.

In a recent development, Israel announced plans to allow aid destined for Gaza through a crossing on the Jordan-Israel border, potentially increasing supply routes.

A central issue in the ceasefire implementation concerns the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The agreement stipulates this crossing should open for bidirectional traffic. While Israel has indicated willingness to allow Palestinians to exit Gaza through Rafah, it remains resistant to permitting entry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that both parties are “very shortly expected to move into the second phase of the ceasefire” once Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage. Hamas has cited extensive destruction from Israeli strikes as an impediment to locating these remains.

Meanwhile, officials indicate that an international governing body for Gaza is expected to be announced by year’s end, addressing governance questions in the territory.

The devastating two-year conflict in Gaza has resulted in more than 70,300 Palestinian deaths, approximately half being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, operating under Hamas governance but staffed by medical professionals, maintains detailed records generally considered reliable by international observers.

The conflict began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Nearly all hostages or their remains have since been returned through ceasefires or other arrangements.