In January, when Israel and Hamas reached a six-week ceasefire agreement, many hoped it would lead to a more enduring and stable peace.

Unfortunately, those expectations are fading.

Both parties have leveled accusations against one another for violating the terms of the agreement, which facilitated the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian detainees. Recently, Israel postponed the release of several hundred prisoners, citing concerns over how Hamas displayed hostages before their return.

With the current ceasefire set to conclude on Sunday, there have been no preliminary discussions regarding an extension.

Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy from the Trump administration, is scheduled to return to the area on Wednesday to advocate for a renewed ceasefire.

While a temporary extension is a possibility, the chances of establishing a long-term agreement to avert further conflict appear slim.

Both factions have set preconditions that complicate the pursuit of a lasting resolution. Israeli officials assert that they will only cease military actions once Hamas relinquishes its authority in Gaza. Conversely, Hamas has signaled a willingness to relinquish certain civic duties but has generally rejected the notion of disarmament, especially in public statements.

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