World updated: March 2, 2025
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Israeli media reports indicate that if Hamas fails to meet Israel’s demands, Benjamin Netanyahu will resume the war in Gaza with the approval of U.S. President Donald Trump. This comes as Israeli military and intelligence officials are opposed to continuing the conflict.
According to Israel’s Channel 11 and reports from Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed newspaper, the Israeli regime has warned Hamas that if it does not accept the terms of extending the first phase of the ceasefire, war will resume. This decision has been made with the approval of the United States.
The newspaper also reported that Egypt has informed Hamas that Israel wants the group to extend the first phase of the ceasefire without moving into the second phase of the agreement.
In response, Hamas issued a statement emphasizing that Israel has no option but to enter into the second phase of negotiations. The movement stressed that the freedom of Israeli prisoners in Gaza can only be achieved through negotiations, and any attempt to violate the agreement will increase pressure on the prisoners and their families.
U.S. President Joe Biden announced last night that the first phase of the prisoner exchange has ended, and the decision about continuing the ceasefire lies with Netanyahu.
It has also been reported that an Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo next week to discuss the details of the second phase of negotiations.
While Israel’s political structure emphasizes resuming the war, the military and intelligence bodies of the regime oppose continuing the conflict. Some analysts believe that increased political pressure for war could lead to more resignations among Israeli military and security officials.
Given these internal disagreements, it is uncertain whether Netanyahu will eventually decide to continue the war or, under pressure from the military and the international community, engage in negotiations.