The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas is set to continue without a ceasefire at least until Friday, according to an Israeli official. Despite earlier expectations of a ceasefire starting at 10:00 a.m. local time (08:00 GMT), the source clarified that there would be “no pause” in the fighting.
This development comes in the wake of a large-scale rocket attack launched by Hamas against Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7. This offensive breached the border, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of over 200 people in neighboring Israeli communities. In response, Israel initiated retaliatory strikes and imposed a complete blockade on the Gaza Strip, cutting off essential supplies like water, food, and fuel.
The situation escalated further on October 27, when Israel undertook a large-scale ground incursion into the Gaza Strip. The declared goal of this operation was to eliminate Hamas fighters and rescue hostages. This conflict has tragically resulted in the loss of over 14,500 lives in the Gaza Strip.
Recent reports on Wednesday suggested that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a four-day ceasefire in Gaza. This agreement included the cessation of all hostilities and a mutual exchange of captives — the release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
However, according to the Israeli source cited by Haaretz, fighting will not cease in Gaza until the timeline for the agreement with Hamas is finalized. This indicates a complex and delicate negotiation process, where every detail is critical to achieving a sustainable ceasefire.
The conflict’s impact extends far beyond the immediate region, with international communities expressing concern over the rising death toll and humanitarian crisis. The ongoing hostilities have raised questions about the long-term implications for peace and stability in the region.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have been ongoing, with various international actors involved in trying to de-escalate the situation. The proposed ceasefire, once in effect, could provide a much-needed respite for the civilians caught in the crossfire and open the door for more comprehensive peace talks.
However, the delay in implementing the ceasefire underscores the deep-seated challenges and mistrust that characterize the Israel-Hamas relationship. Achieving a lasting peace in the region requires addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, including issues of sovereignty, security, and mutual recognition.
