As negotiations for a three-stage ceasefire progress, Hamas fears that Israel may resume fighting in Gaza after the first phase, particularly under Donald Trump’s leadership.
An Israeli official told The Times of Israel on Monday (December 16) that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes he would have greater flexibility to resume military operations after the first phase under Trump compared to Biden.
“If we finish the war now, Hamas will return, recover and rebuild itself and attack us again… we don’t want to return to this [situation],” Netanyahu said last week.
Last week, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the Biden administration aims to finalize a ceasefire deal by the end of December. This would place Trump in charge of overseeing the completion of the first six-week phase. Despite reiterating his desire to see the war in Gaza end, Trump’s role in the ceasefire has heightened concerns for Hamas. The group is reportedly seeking assurances that Israel will not resume fighting once the first phase concludes.
Ceasefire negotiations
On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that a ceasefire deal is “closer than ever” as top U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian officials resumed mediation efforts. Israel is pushing for a temporary pause to secure the release of hostages, followed by the resumption of military operations aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities. However, Hamas demanded a permanent end to hostilities and a full withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza.
Mediators have pitched for an agreement that would unfold in phases, featuring a halt in fighting, the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel estimates Hamas is holding around 100 hostages, with more than one-third believed to be dead.
Hamas weakened
Recently, the group has shown more flexibility following setbacks for its key backer Iran, including the downfall of its close ally, Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. Hamas is now prepared to allow Israeli troops to remain in the key Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors during the first phase of the deal, according to Arab and Israeli officials.
“We told them that the longer they wait, the worse the terms will be,” one of the Arab diplomats said.
Gaza death toll
On Tuesday (December 17), the Health Ministry reported that at least 31 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The overall death toll since last year has now reached 45,059.
Israel has continued its military actions in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas attack on October 7 last year. The ongoing war has drawn increasing international condemnation, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
