Israeli authorities are awaiting Hamas’s announcement of the names of three hostages it plans to release on Saturday, as part of a fragile prisoner exchange agreement.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions, with both sides exchanging threats that raise fears of renewed violence in the Gaza Strip.
Progress on Ceasefire Implementation
The exchange is part of the ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19, following 15 months of devastating war between Israel and Hamas. Egypt and Qatar have played key mediation roles, reportedly overcoming obstacles to ensure the truce holds and aid deliveries to Gaza resume. According to Egyptian state media, caravans, tents, fuel, and other essential supplies are now permitted entry into Gaza.
Palestinian sources told Agence France-Presse that mediators secured an initial Israeli commitment to implement the agreement’s humanitarian provisions starting Thursday. This has allowed trucks carrying mobile homes and construction materials to line up at the Rafah border crossing in preparation for entry into Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Omer Doster, stated via the X platform that “no heavy equipment” would be allowed through the crossing.
Renewed Threats
The ceasefire agreement was thrown into uncertainty on Tuesday when U.S. President Donald Trump warned Hamas of “opening the gates of hell” unless all hostages in Gaza were released by Saturday. Echoing Trump’s warning, Netanyahu and other Israeli officials threatened to resume “heavy fighting” if the hostages were not freed.
Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of obstructing the agreement by delaying aid deliveries and raised concerns over Israel’s commitment to the humanitarian provisions.
Future of the Agreement
The ceasefire’s first phase, lasting 42 days, aims to release 33 Israeli hostages and 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. So far, 16 Israelis and 765 Palestinians have been freed. The next phase, set for early March, will focus on releasing all remaining hostages and ending the war. The final phase will involve rebuilding Gaza, estimated by the United Nations to cost over $53 billion.
Yet, negotiations for the second phase remain unresolved, with Hamas using the delays in aid as leverage to pressure Israel.
Public Sentiment in Gaza
Amid the devastation, Gaza residents expressed their hopes for the truce to continue. Abdel Nasser Abu Al-Omrain, a local resident, said, “I believe that war will not return again because no one is interested in the return of war… Gaza has basically become an unbearable hell.”
Controversial Trump Proposal
Adding to the tension is Trump’s controversial proposal to place Gaza under U.S. administration and relocate 2.4 million residents to Egypt or Jordan, sparking global condemnation despite support from some Israeli officials. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that his country is open to alternative proposals from Arab countries, with discussions planned during Rubio’s upcoming Middle East tour.
Meanwhile, Hamas has called for global solidarity demonstrations starting Friday to oppose displacement and Trump’s proposal. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the fragile ceasefire holds or unravels.
