Egypt hints Israel seeks to evade its obligations under Gaza ceasefire deal

Egypt’s foreign minister hinted yesterday that Israel is trying to evade its obligations under a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, Anadolu reported.

“The sincere joint efforts made by Egypt and Qatar succeeded in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza in January, which includes three stages” each lasting 42 days, Badr Abdelatty told the Qatari state news agency QNA.

“So far, only the first phase has been implemented, but now a party [Israel] is attempting to back out of its obligations,” he added.

“Egypt and Qatar share a joint responsibility, alongside the US, to maintain pressure and ensure negotiations for the second phase move forward,” Abdelatty said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to enter negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Instead, he wants to extend the first phase of the deal.

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The Israeli government halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday, shortly after the first phase of the ceasefire deal ended.

Palestinian group Hamas has refused to agree to an extension of the first phase of the deal, insisting that Israel abide by the terms of the ceasefire and immediately start negotiations on the second phase, which includes a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a complete halt to the war.

“There are obligations on both parties in the ceasefire agreement, and each must uphold them – especially Israel – to complete all three phases,” Abdelatty said.

He emphasised that Egypt and Qatar expect the US to play its role in ensuring Israel abides by the deal and that negotiations for the second phase begin without delay.

“We have successfully secured the release of some hostages, and now we must push forward to complete the second and third phases, ensuring the release of all remaining captives and remains held in Gaza,” he said.

“In return, Israel must fulfill its commitments, particularly by allowing the full delivery of humanitarian, medical, and shelter aid and releasing the agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners,” he added.

US President Donald Trump has backed Israel’s starvation policy in Gaza and yesterday issued what he calls “a last warning” to Hamas to release all Israeli captives held in Gaza, and told its leaders to leave the enclave.

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