Israel (Washington Insider) - Tensions rise between Israel and Hamas after the commander Raed Saad was killed near Gaza City. Nearly 800 Israeli strikes killed hundreds. Netanyahu demands return of captive Ran Gvili before phase 2 of U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
As The Diplomatic Insight reported, tensions between Israel and Hamas have risen after the killing of Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander, near Gaza City. They mentioned that the attack has added pressure to the delayed 2nd phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Israel said Palestinian groups are blocking the return of the remains of the last Israeli captive.
The country also accused Hamas of trying to rearm in violation of the truce. In a video statement, Hamas leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, confirmed Saad’s death. He said Israel is undermining the peace process. Both sides blamed each other for the stalemate. Al-Hayya urged international mediators, highlighting U.S. President Donald Trump, to pressure Israel into upholding the ceasefire.
"The continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire ... and the targeted assassinations threaten the viability of the agreement,”
Al-Hayya said.
What is blocking the Gaza ceasefire phase 2 between Israel and Hamas?
Since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2023, Gaza authorities say Israel has carried out nearly 800 attacks in the region. The strikes have killed hundreds of Palestinians and limited the delivery of humanitarian aid, according to Al Jazeera.
Israel has said the return of the remains of the last Israeli captive, Ran Gvili, is necessary before the 2nd phase of the truce can start. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Raed Saad, the senior Hamas commander recently killed, as
“the primary figure in charge of Hamas’s effort to build up its strength and arm itself.”
He accused Saad of leading efforts to remilitarize Gaza, including replenishing and smuggling weapons.
Netanyahu emphasised that,
"Our policy will remain very forceful, and it is an independent one. We decide on the actions; we decide on the responses. We decide what needs to be done to ensure the security of Israel and the security of Israeli soldiers."
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, if Israel's security is in danger, the country will act by itself. The United States (US) and Israel conflict over how quickly the ceasefire is being implemented, with the US wanting the 2nd phase of the ceasefire implemented as soon as possible, while Israel is demanding complete adherence to the ceasefire agreements before any advancement to the 2nd phase can take place, including the return of Gvili's remains.
The ceasefire was negotiated in October 2023 and consists of 2 phases. Phase 1 included stopping the fighting, returning living captives, handing over the deceased, and providing humanitarian access to Gaza. The 2nd phase has not yet begun and will include the withdrawal of Israel, the disarmament of Palestinian fighters, and a complete end to hostilities between the 2 sides.