Fragile Truce Expires as Hamas Demands Full Withdrawal, Israel Withdraws Aid Israel’s six-week ceasefire with Hamas ended as Hamas rejected a US extension, demanding second-phase talks. Israel halted aid, insisting on hostage releases before further negotiation. By Keren Setton/The Media Line A six-week ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group expired over the weekend, […]
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The Media Line: Fragile Truce Expires as Hamas Demands Full Withdrawal, Israel Withdraws Aid
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Fragile Truce Expires as Hamas Demands Full Withdrawal, Israel Withdraws Aid
Israel’s six-week ceasefire with Hamas ended as Hamas rejected a US extension, demanding second-phase talks. Israel halted aid, insisting on hostage releases before further negotiation.
By Keren Setton/The Media Line
A six-week ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group expired over the weekend, raising questions about the future of the 16-month war that has engulfed the Middle East. The ceasefire was defined as the first phase towards ending the war and is now in its critical moments, either on the brink of collapse or at the cusp of extension.
Hamas has refused an American proposal to extend the ceasefire, demanding negotiations on the second phase of the deal as was initially agreed by the parties. The second phase would include a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the release of all the living remaining hostages currently in the hands of Hamas.