Israel’s military has called up reservists amid growing concerns that the ceasefire with Hamas, which has been in place since January 19, could collapse. This follows the Palestinian group’s refusal to release additional Israeli hostages by the Saturday deadline. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that if Hamas does not comply, intense fighting will resume. The situation in Gaza, already marked by widespread suffering, displacement, and shortages, is pushing the region closer to a potential larger conflict.
In parallel, Arab nations, particularly Egypt, have expressed outrage over President Trump’s plan for Gaza, which includes resettling Palestinians in other countries and establishing an international resort. The proposal has sparked severe backlash, with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi even threatening to cancel his planned visit to Washington if the agenda involves this plan.
Hamas has agreed to release some hostages, but with the second phase of negotiations stalling, tensions are mounting. The international community, including mediators in Doha, is urgently working to prevent a full-scale crisis. Meanwhile, Palestinian concerns about the displacement of millions echo the trauma of the 1948 “Nakba,” further complicating the path to peace.
Arab leaders, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have signaled potential support for a revised Arab Peace Initiative, which could offer Israel normalized ties in exchange for Palestinian statehood. However, a resolution remains uncertain as the situation continues to evolve.