Fears of renewed Gaza war as Hamas disarmament talks stall

Fears of renewed Gaza war as Hamas – The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has faltered, sparking concerns that the Gaza Strip could once again become a battlefield. Recent developments, including a deadly Israeli air strike, have deepened the divide between the two sides, with Palestinian officials stating that negotiations have reached a deadlock. This impasse, they claim, is driven by Hamas’s refusal to relinquish its weapons and Israel’s insistence on stricter disarmament terms.

Deadlock in Talks and Rising Tensions

This week, an Israeli air attack claimed the life of Khalil al-Hayya, the son of Hamas’s leader and chief negotiator. The strike, which killed the young man, has intensified the pressure on both parties, with Palestinian sources confirming to the BBC that the talks have stalled. According to Israeli media, the country is now preparing to resume military operations in Gaza due to the stalemate and Hamas’s determination to keep its arsenal intact.

“We understood, everyone understood that Hamas would not disarm, and they have followed through on their intentions,” said Michael Eisenberg, an adviser to the Israeli prime minister. “Nobody in Israel wants to go back to war, but all options are on the table right now.”

The situation has drawn international attention, with reports from Channel 12 News suggesting that Washington may provide Israel with the “green light” to proceed with its military plans. Among the strategies being considered is the expansion of the “Yellow Line”—a demarcation that currently covers about 60% of Gaza, which Israel maintains under its full military control during the ceasefire. Locals in Gaza indicate that this line is already being pushed further, increasing the likelihood of renewed conflict.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza

Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe, with over two million residents displaced. The toll of the conflict has been significant, as the Hamas-run health ministry reported that at least 846 people—including numerous women and children—have been killed since the agreement began on October 10. Israel, meanwhile, claims five of its soldiers have been casualties in the same timeframe.

The ongoing violence has fueled growing anxiety among Gazans, who fear the return of large-scale warfare. Samah, a displaced mother in Gaza City, expressed her frustration in a recent interview: “Honestly, I say enough war. We hope the war doesn’t resume. There are still attacks until now.” She urged Hamas to hand over its weapons, arguing that the number of martyrs and the continued siege have left the population exhausted. “Let people live. We are tired,” she said.

Negotiation Deadlock and the 20-Point Plan

Discussions between Hamas and the US-led Board of Peace in Cairo have also hit a roadblock. Two Palestinian officials, who are familiar with the recent talks, told the BBC that the negotiations have reached a stalemate. They highlighted that Israel is pushing for the second phase of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which emphasizes disarmament, before Hamas completes its obligations under the first stage.

Hamas, however, insists that the ceasefire agreement is still valid and that Israel is violating its terms by not meeting humanitarian promises. The group criticizes ongoing military attacks and the restrictions on movement within the territory. A Hamas statement issued on Wednesday called on the US administration and the guarantor states of the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement to “move immediately” to halt Israel’s “aggression against the innocent people in Gaza.” This followed a series of Israeli strikes that killed at least six individuals, including a Hamas commander and Azzam al-Hayya, another son of Khalil al-Hayya.

The High Representative for Gaza on the Board of Peace, Nickolay Mladenov, outlined a detailed plan for the region in March, which included provisions for aid distribution and infrastructure recovery. However, the plan has yet to be fully accepted by Hamas, which continues to reference the original terms of the October agreement. Israel, on the other hand, has embraced Trump’s more comprehensive 20-point plan, which was endorsed by a UN Security Council resolution. The plan requires Hamas to disarm, demilitarize, and deradicalize, according to Eisenberg.

Regional Perspectives and Ongoing Challenges

Abu Firas al-Jidi, a neighbor of Samah, accused Israel of “intransigence,” suggesting that the world’s focus on other conflicts, such as those in Iran and Lebanon, has allowed Gaza to drift closer to war. “There is a serious risk that Gaza may slide back into fighting,” he said, reflecting the fears of many in the region.

The deadlock has also raised questions about the role of external mediators. While the US-led peace initiative has been a key player, Hamas has not formally endorsed all of its provisions. The group’s demands include an end to Israeli shelling, incursions, and military operations, as well as increased aid deliveries, temporary housing units, and heavy equipment for clearing rubble. Additionally, Hamas wants more Palestinians to be allowed to travel through Egypt’s Rafah Crossing.

Israel argues that its restrictions on goods entering and exiting Gaza are necessary for security. This has led to accusations that the country is prioritizing military objectives over civilian welfare. “Hamas must disarm, demilitarise, and deradicalise,” reiterated Eisenberg, emphasizing that the 20-point plan represents the future of Gaza. The plan’s implementation hinges on Hamas’s agreement, but with the current stalemate, the path forward remains uncertain.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that balances Israel’s security concerns with Gaza’s humanitarian needs. The ongoing impasse underscores the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region, with both sides preparing for the possibility of renewed hostilities. For now, the ceasefire hangs by a thread, and the people of Gaza wait anxiously for the next move.