• Hamas demands release of 620 Palestinian prisoners as a condition for further ceasefire negotiations with Israel.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accused of intentionally sabotaging the ceasefire deal following delays in prisoner releases.
• The status of ongoing negotiations remains unclear as both sides face pressure from hostages' families and international mediators.

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza, originally established on January 19, faces critical challenges as Hamas threatens to halt negotiations unless Israel releases 620 Palestinian prisoners. According to the BBC, Israel has postponed the release of these prisoners, citing concerns over the treatment of hostages during recent handover ceremonies. A senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “intentionally sabotaging” the ceasefire, asserting that Hamas would not engage in further negotiations until the planned prisoner releases were fulfilled.

The current truce, which is set to expire soon, was established to secure the release of hostages taken during the initial attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, an event that claimed approximately 1,200 lives and sparked significant military responses from Israel. In exchange for the gradual return of Israeli hostages, Hamas released a number of living captives, but the process has been marred by accusations of public humiliation during handover ceremonies, which have infuriated Israeli authorities. Al Jazeera reports that these events are causing deep mistrust between the conflicting sides.

With more than 63 hostages still in limbo, the second phase of the ceasefire, which involves more complex discussions over the future governance of Gaza, has not yet begun. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel suggested that while **extension of the current ceasefire** may be possible, restoring the balance hinges heavily on the safe return of hostages, as noted in Reuters. Mediators such as the United States and Egypt are pushing for resolution, but the situation remains precarious and fluid.

While Hamas has expressed readiness to continue discussions if release conditions are met, the Israeli side reiterates its commitment to bringing all hostages home while firmly rejecting any future role for Hamas in governing Gaza. The challenges of negotiating peace are compounded by existing grievances and the dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

With Hamas already showing signs of refusal to comply with future agreements, the prospects of a lasting peace remain uncertain. Negotiators face significant hurdles, with Netanyahu’s government facing pressure to resume military operations also due to public sentiment insisting on the return of all captives. As pressure mounts and deadlines loom, the international community watches closely for developments, hoping for a sustainable resolution.

For further details on the ongoing ceasefire developments, check this article from South China Morning Post.