A senior Hamas official has made it clear that the continuation of hostilities could jeopardize the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Hossam Badran, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, stated in an interview with AFP that as long as Israel neglects its obligations under the ceasefire terms, implementing the next phase will not be feasible.
Badran’s remarks come amid rising tensions following recent statements from Israeli military leadership. On Sunday, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir announced that the “Yellow Line,” which marks territory currently occupied by Israeli forces, would be established as the new border for the Gaza Strip. This proposed change would effectively reduce Gaza’s territory by half, raising significant concerns among Palestinian officials and observers.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in grave consequences for civilians in Gaza. According to data from Al Jazeera, the Israeli military has been reported to have violated the ceasefire agreement at least 738 times since it took effect on October 10, 2023. These violations have reportedly led to the deaths of over 370 people, highlighting the fragile nature of the current peace efforts.
Badran also dismissed the Israeli assertions regarding the Yellow Line, emphasizing that such unilateral actions undermine the ceasefire process and hinder any potential for peace negotiations. The situation remains tense as both sides grapple with the implications of these developments, and the international community watches closely.
As discussions around the ceasefire’s second phase continue, the potential for further escalation looms large. The ramifications of these military actions and political statements may significantly impact the long-term prospects for stability in the region.
