Israel obstructs the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement and threatens escalation.
Escalation Despite Hamas Commitment
Although Hamas has fulfilled its obligations in the first phase of the agreement, Israel has committed multiple violations of the ceasefire, raising concerns about its true intentions in the next phase.
New Israeli Conditions
Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz stipulated that Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphia Axis until all Israeli prisoners are returned, reflecting Israeli procrastination in implementing the agreement. Israel was supposed to start its withdrawal immediately after the first phase ended, with complete withdrawal within 8 days.
Threat of Return to War
In another escalation signal, Yisrael Katz claimed that "the best way to continue the prisoners' retrieval is for Hamas to know that Israel is ready to return to war," potentially opening the door to a new phase of escalation that could hinder any efforts for de-escalation.
What Are the Next Plans?
With this hardline Israeli stance, questions are mounting about the next steps Tel Aviv might take in the region, and whether these statements are a prelude to a new military operation or a means of political pressure in negotiations.
