Thu Feb 27 21:37:08 UTC 2025: ## Israel’s Refusal to Withdraw Jeopardizes Gaza Ceasefire Talks
**Cairo, Egypt** – Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the second phase of a January ceasefire agreement are in jeopardy due to Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Gaza-Egypt border, according to sources close to the talks. The talks, hosted by Egypt on Thursday, aim to finalize details of a three-phase plan.
The first phase, ending March 1st, involved the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s main population areas, increased humanitarian aid, and the return of displaced persons. This phase also included a prisoner exchange: Hamas released 33 captives, including eight bodies, in exchange for the release of some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israel has announced it will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, contradicting the initial agreement. An anonymous Israeli official stated that the country will not allow Hamas to rearm or operate freely near the border. Satellite imagery reportedly shows new Israeli construction in the area.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar indicated that Israel’s participation in the Cairo talks will depend on finding common ground. He added that Israel was willing to extend the first phase in exchange for further hostage releases. This statement comes after Israel delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners, citing a Hamas ceremony marking the return of Israeli captives. Hamas condemned the delay as a violation of the agreement.
The second phase of the agreement, whose details were intentionally left vague for later negotiation, focuses on a lasting ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The third phase concerns Gaza’s governance and reconstruction.
The United States, meanwhile, is involved in mediation efforts. President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reportedly traveling to the region to push for an extension of the current phase. Witkoff also announced a future “summit” of developers to determine Gaza’s future, though details remain unclear. This announcement comes amidst conflicting statements from Trump on the future of the ceasefire.
The situation has drawn criticism from many quarters. Hamas accuses Israel of violating the agreement and undermining its credibility. While some Israeli families of released captives support Netanyahu’s actions, the far-right and settler movements strongly oppose the concessions made in the deal, creating further internal Israeli divisions on the path forward. The ongoing dispute highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and casts doubt on the prospects for a lasting peace. Reports from the Gaza Government Media Office indicate over 350 Israeli ceasefire violations since the agreement began.
First Piper 