With the clock ticking on the agreed pause in Gaza fighting, Israel, Hamas, and the mediators working between them were once again scrambling to reach a resolution on Wednesday. The original truce was set to expire on Monday, but Hamas accepted Israel’s offer to extend the ceasefire in exchange for the release of captives. As the original deadline approached, an extension was announced, but it was only for two days.
Despite the challenges, Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries utilized the extra time to work towards convincing both sides to further extend the truce or agree to a permanent ceasefire. Negotiations were difficult and tedious, but did eventually result in an agreement in principle that led to the initial four-day truce and the subsequent two-day extension.
However, the situation has become more complicated as Hamas has called for a further four-day extension, while Israel has sent mixed messages regarding the continuation of the pause. Both sides have been hesitant to prolong the truce by exchanging more captives, which has led to an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety.
As international mediators convene in Qatar, the highest officials from the US, Israeli, and Egyptian intelligence services, have been working to reach a resolution. However, it remains unclear whether the talks will be successful, as there are signs that the situation is becoming more complicated.
There are several reasons for the reluctance of both Israel and Hamas to prolong the truce, including military tactics and strategic reasons on the Israeli side. The military had initially mobilized hundreds of thousands of reservists alongside the standing army, and their eagerness to resume fighting is a reflection of the army’s realistic approach to the situation.
In addition, the unpredictability of the political leadership and the potential damaging impact on the morale and determination of soldiers add to the complexities of the situation. As a result, there is a sense of urgency to reach a resolution before fighting resumes.