Photo: ap.org
Ceasefire talks reach deadlock
The Wall Street Journal reports that talks between Israel and Hamas on extending the ceasefire in Gaza have stalled. Against this background, the Israeli authorities have developed new military plans aimed at gradually increasing pressure on the terrorist group.
According to the authors of the article, Dov Lieber and Anat Peled, the main measures that could be implemented in the near future include cutting off electricity and stopping water supplies to Gaza. If these restrictions do not have the desired effect, the Israeli Defence Forces may resume massive air strikes and tactical ground operations in the Strip.
Israel’s new approach: more freedom in military operations
The WSJ notes that the Israeli army now has more options for active action in Gaza than even in October 2023.
▪️ The administration of US President Donald Trump is not putting pressure on Israel or restricting the supply of ammunition.
▪️ If a weakened Hezbollah does not launch a new phase of attacks from Lebanon, the IDF will be able to focus its forces exclusively on Gaza.
These factors open up the possibility for Israel to act more decisively, without the threat of external diplomatic or military intervention.
The main obstacle is the position of Hamas
Negotiations to extend the truce have stalled due to Hamas’ tough stance. The terrorists refuse to release any more hostages and insist on moving to the second phase of the agreement, which provides for the
▪️ Complete cessation of war
▪️ Exchange all hostages for all Palestinian prisoners
Israel insists on a gradual exchange: first, live hostages for convicted terrorists from Israeli prisons.
International diplomacy and the US position
The United States is conducting separate negotiations with Hamas to release American hostages and return the bodies of those killed. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for the immediate release of all abductees and threatened Gaza with “hell” if the group does not comply with this demand.
Egypt, which acts as a mediator, offers a compromise option – extending the first phase of the ceasefire with the condition of further moving to discuss the second.
The situation remains unstable, and the coming days may determine further developments: whether the parties will manage to find a compromise or whether Israel will resume active hostilities.
