Why Are The Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Stuck?

New Delhi: The war between Israel and Hamas has resumed after a brief ceasefire as Israel launched massive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, reportedly killing over 200 people. The stalling of the ceasefire talks has resulted in the relapse of the deadly attacks and war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had directed the strikes due to the stalled negotiations over extending the ceasefire and officials indicated that the operation would be ongoing and was anticipated to widen. Why are the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks stuck, here's what we know…

Also Read: Hamas Says Truce 'Overturned' as Israel Carries Out 'Extensive Strikes' in Gaza Killing Over 200

Why Are Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Stuck?

The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas started with on a peaceful note and the first phase that included the exchange of hostages was rather successful. In the first six weeks of the ceasefire deal, almost three dozen hostages were released by Hamas in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians. 

It has been two weeks since the ceasefire ended and the two parties are unable to get on the same terms for the second phase of the ceasefire, with nearly 60 hostages remaining. 

Hamas has called for an end to the war and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages. However, Israel insists it will not cease hostilities until it has dismantled Hamas's military and governance structures and freed all hostages. Netanyahu has repeatedly warned of resuming the war and, earlier this month, halted the entry of all food and aid supplies into the blockaded area to increase pressure on Hamas.

Fresh Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Strip Kill Over 200

Early Tuesday, Israel launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, claiming to target dozens of Hamas sites in its largest assault on the area since a ceasefire was implemented in January. Palestinian officials reported at least 69 fatalities.

The unexpected attack disrupted a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised concerns about the potential for a full resumption of fighting in the 17-month-long conflict, which has already claimed the lives of over 48,000 Palestinians and left Gaza in ruins. It also sparked concerns regarding the fate of approximately two dozen Israeli hostages believed to still be alive and held by Hamas.

On the fresh attacks, Israeli PM Netanyahu's office said, “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength. This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the US presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators”. “Gates of hell will open in Gaza, we will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals”, Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said, if hostages are not released.

Condemning it, Hamas released a statement and called these attacks an ‘unprovoked escalation’. A Hamas official, Taher Nunu said, “The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza.”

(Inputs from AP)