Israel and Hamas completed their sixth hostage-prisoner exchange this week, releasing 369 Palestinian detainees and three hostages. But the fragile truce faces renewed risks as U.S. interventions and stalled negotiations threaten to derail progress toward lasting peace.
U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about annexing Gaza and displacing its population drew sharp backlash, with Hamas labeling the proposal “ethnic cleansing.” Jordan’s King Abdullah II and UN experts condemned the idea, while Arab leaders accused the U.S. of destabilizing regional diplomacy. Trump later doubled down, demanding Israel cancel the ceasefire unless all hostages were freed by Saturday—a deadline that expired without resolution.
“Trump must remember there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties. The language of threats has no value,” said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.
The ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., includes a phased plan: temporary pauses for hostage releases, talks for a permanent truce, and Gaza’s reconstruction. Yet Phase II talks remain gridlocked, with Israel insisting on “de-militarizing” Gaza and Hamas demanding an end to Israel’s blockade.
Humanitarian aid has reached Gaza during the pause, but shortages persist. Analysts warn the truce may collapse amid political pressure: “The agreement is very vague, and Israel can maneuver its way out,” said Palestinian legal scholar Diana Buttu.
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Gaza ceasefire remains under threat after 6th hostage-prisoner swap
cgtn.com
