The Israel-Hamas ceasefire is structured in three phases: repositioning Israeli troops, ending the war, and reconstructing Gaza.
First Phase: Israel repositioned troops, allowed displaced Palestinians to move, and released over 1,000 prisoners in exchange for 32 hostages.
Talks for the second phase (ending the war) were delayed, with Israel sending a delegation to Cairo only recently.
Israel was to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor by Saturday, but an Israeli soldier ruled out the pullback, straining the ceasefire.
Israel’s initial goals to dismantle Hamas and release hostages were not achieved after 15 months of conflict.
A troop withdrawal would leave Hamas in power, potentially destabilizing Netanyahu’s government.
U.S. President Trump’s proposal to "own Gaza" and ethnically cleanse Palestinians has hardened Israel’s position.
The U.S. is encouraged to use its leverage to enforce the ceasefire and help plan for Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction.
Israel’s failure to dismantle Hamas and its refusal to honor the ceasefire could lead to continued conflict.
Over 60 hostages remain with Hamas after the first phase of the ceasefire.
Israel should honor its commitments, and international support is needed for a lasting peace and Gaza's reconstruction.
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