Israel weighs Gaza truce extension as long-term deal remains uncertain

JERUSALEM/DOHA. Israel is considering extending the ongoing 42-day truce in Gaza as it continues efforts to secure the release of the remaining 63 hostages. However, negotiations on a broader agreement regarding the enclave’s future remain stalled, according to Israeli officials.

The initial phase of the ceasefire, brokered by the United States with mediation from Egypt and Qatar, began on January 19 and is set to expire on Saturday. Officials remain uncertain about the next steps.

“We are being very cautious,” Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said in a press briefing in Jerusalem when asked about a potential extension without discussions on a second phase, which would involve complex issues such as a permanent ceasefire and Gaza’s governance.

“There wasn’t a particular agreement on that, but it might be a possibility,” she stated. “We didn’t close the option of continuing the current ceasefire, but in return for our hostages, and they have to be returned safely.”

Suppose no new agreement is reached by Friday. In that case, officials anticipate either a resumption of hostilities or a deadlock, where the truce continues without further hostage releases, potentially leading Israel to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Stalled Negotiations and Standoff Over Prisoner Releases

Two officials involved in the ceasefire negotiations confirmed that Israel and Hamas have not yet engaged in discussions to finalize the second phase, which is expected to require significant compromises from both sides.

“I think it’s unrealistic to see something like that forming within a few days,” Haskel said. “This is something that needs to be discussed in depth. This is going to take time.”

The deal so far has led to the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Additionally, Israel has pulled back troops from some areas in Gaza.

To date, 29 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals have been freed. The remains of four more hostages, originally set to be returned on Thursday, have not yet been handed over.

A new dispute has emerged over the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, which Israel has delayed. Israeli officials accuse Hamas of violating the agreement by making a public spectacle of the handover of hostages in Gaza.

Hamas official Basem Naim emphasized that progress cannot be made while Palestinian prisoners remain in detention. He reiterated Hamas’ demand for a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Meanwhile, Haskel expressed hope that a resolution would be reached soon to facilitate the release of the final four hostages.

U.S. Envoy to Discuss Next Steps

Steve Witkoff, special Middle East envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, is scheduled to visit Israel on Wednesday to continue discussions on the second phase of the truce. This phase aims to secure the release of the remaining hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Negotiations for this phase were initially supposed to begin 16 days after the start of the ceasefire in January. However, a lack of direct engagement between key negotiators has stalled the process.

On February 6, Qatar’s Prime Minister traveled to Florida to meet with Witkoff and discuss the “full implementation” of phase one and potential steps toward phase two, according to a source briefed on the talks.

Despite this, officials involved in the ceasefire process report that no principal negotiators have met face-to-face since the initial agreement was reached.

“This is the day after Gaza, after the war in Gaza and what’s going to happen there, and so we are continuing that channel with the Americans,” Haskel noted.

Uncertain Future for Gaza

The conflict in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, during which Israel reported that 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.

In response, Israel launched a military offensive that, according to Palestinian health officials, has resulted in the deaths of more than 48,000 Palestinians and widespread destruction across Gaza.

Israel has insisted that Hamas cannot play a role in governing Gaza in the future and has also rejected a leadership role for the Palestinian Authority.

Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, has stated that while it may not demand to retain control, it must be included in discussions about the enclave’s governance.

Meanwhile, Arab states, expected to bear much of the financial burden of rebuilding Gaza, are still working to formulate a proposal for the territory’s administration. They are likely to push for a role for the Palestinian Authority.

Adding to the uncertainty, former U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested a controversial plan to relocate Gaza’s Palestinian population and replace the enclave with a U.S.-backed waterfront development project. The proposal, reportedly supported by Israel’s cabinet, was swiftly rejected by Arab states and Palestinian leaders.

As the deadline for the current ceasefire approaches, the future of Gaza and the fate of the remaining hostages remain uncertain, with diplomatic efforts racing against time to prevent a return to full-scale conflict.