Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-needs-deal-freeing-hostages-extend-gaza-ceasefire-deal-2025-03-04/
The Israeli foreign minister said on Tuesday that they are ready to move forward with the second stage of the ceasefire in Gaza, so long as Hamas releases more than 59 of the hostages it’s holding. The first phase of the ceasefire took place on January 19th, and since this was implemented Hamas has exchanged 33 Israeli hostages and Israel has exchanged 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has stated that the second stage of the ceasefire means the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, in addition to the release of 59 Israeli hostages. Israel is asking that more than 59 Israeli hostages be released, however, in order to move forward with the ceasefire.
This article is extremely important because it gives us information and insight into the Israeli government, particularly if they are willing to agree to the second phase of the ceasefire and what their terms will be. For many countries, ending the attacks on the Palestinian people is high on their list of priorities in terms of international relations, so it is necessary to understand what each side will require for them to reach the goal of a ceasefire. Additionally, however Israel decides to continue, whether to accept the ceasefire or not, will greatly impact Gaza and the Palestinian people. Their actions have already cost hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to lose their lives, and denying the ceasefire would only worsen conditions.
The next move towards implementing the second phase of the ceasefire depends primarily on Hamas, since the Israeli government has made its demands. Hamas could either agree to release additional hostages, more than the 59 already promised, refuse, or counter with demands of their own. Even if Hamas does agree to release the demanded hostages, it is definitely possible that Israel could continue to stall and either pull out of the ceasefire altogether or make additional demands to increase Palestine’s difficulties at securing a ceasefire. It is very likely that Hamas will make demands of its own before accepting Israel’s proposal, since both organizations/governments have been unwilling to compromise with each other.
This conflict relates directly back to the causes and levels of conflict, which we have discussed in class. Since this conflict is between two states, it is considered an interstate conflict, which is defined as “interstate or regional issues dealing with resources, boundary disputes, or ethnic makeup. Historically, conflicts between Palestine and Israel have been primarily based on boundary disputes and ethnic makeup, both of which can still currently be seen. Palestine is a primarily Muslim population, while Israel is primarily Jewish; as a result, the two have been at war over the common holy ground, Jerusalem.