Janice R. Andrews
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip faces ongoing challenges, as highlighted by a prominent Palestinian-American political analyst. Khalil Jahshan, Executive Director of the Arab Center Washington D.C., warned that the agreement remains precarious despite recent progress, including the release of three Israeli hostages. The ceasefire, which has seen six rounds of hostage exchanges, is under strain due to mutual accusations of violations and controversial U.S. statements about Gaza’s future.
Hostage Release Marks Progress Amid Tensions
On February 15, 2025, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad handed over three Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The freed hostages—Alexandre Sasha Troufanov (29, Israeli-Russian), Sagui Dekel-Chen (36, Israeli-American), and Iair Horn (46, Israeli-Argentine)—were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Their release is part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which has been in effect for several weeks.
Jahshan, in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), acknowledged the significance of the hostage exchange but emphasized the fragility of the ceasefire. “This is the sixth such release thus far in this fragile ceasefire since it went into effect several weeks ago. But the agreement remains vulnerable for all kinds of reasons,” he said.
Mutual Accusations Threaten Ceasefire
Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of the agreement. Hamas claims that Israel continues to conduct incursions into Gaza and restrict the flow of humanitarian supplies, including heavy equipment needed for reconstruction. Israel, on the other hand, accuses Hamas of failing to honor the details of the ceasefire.
Jahshan noted that these accusations, coupled with external factors, have exacerbated tensions. “Humanitarian supplies are not getting in, and the Israelis counter with accusations that Hamas is not honoring the details of the agreement. And the U.S. statements with regards to the future of Gaza have not helped,” he explained.
U.S. Proposal Sparks Outrage
Adding to the complexity, U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested that the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip and resettle its Palestinian residents in other countries. This proposal, made during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, has drawn widespread criticism.
Jahshan dismissed the plan as unrealistic and inflammatory. “The president of the United States said that the U.S. thinks the best thing to do for Gaza is to essentially buy it and rebuild it. But in the process, he wanted to ethnically cleanse the two million-plus inhabitants of Gaza, sending them to different countries—neighboring and distant, like Indonesia and Albania—without the right to return,” Jahshan said.
He added that Trump later toned down his rhetoric after realizing the impracticality of “buying” Gaza. “After all, who owns Gaza, and who do you buy it from?” Jahshan questioned.
Gaza Residents Reject Forced Displacement
The proposal has been met with fierce resistance from Gaza’s residents, who view the territory as their home and have no intention of leaving. Jahshan emphasized that the people of Gaza are determined to remain on their land.
“Basically, he decided that according to his understanding of American law, he would like to apply that and simply just take over the Gaza Strip. That doesn’t play well in Gaza. The people of Gaza are inside Gaza. They are not returning, as the president said; they are returning to their own homes and properties,” Jahshan stated.
Humanitarian Crisis Persists
Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Displaced Palestinians are struggling to rebuild their lives amid widespread destruction. Aerial footage shows families returning to their homes, only to find them reduced to rubble. The lack of heavy equipment and adequate supplies has hindered reconstruction efforts, leaving many without shelter or basic necessities.
The Netzarim Corridor, a key area in Gaza, is littered with destroyed buildings and debris, symbolizing the long road to recovery. Displaced Palestinians can be seen walking among the ruins, carrying whatever belongings they managed to salvage.
International Community’s Role
The international community has a critical role to play in ensuring the ceasefire holds and addressing the humanitarian crisis. Jahshan called for a more balanced approach from the United States, urging it to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could destabilize the region.
“The U.S. statements with regards to the future of Gaza have not helped. What is needed is a genuine commitment to peace and stability, not proposals that threaten to uproot an entire population,” he said.
Conclusion: A Fragile Path to Peace
The recent hostage release is a positive step, but the Gaza ceasefire remains on shaky ground. Mutual accusations, restricted humanitarian aid, and controversial U.S. proposals have created an environment of uncertainty. For lasting peace, both sides must honor their commitments, and the international community must provide constructive support.
As Jahshan aptly put it, “The agreement remains vulnerable for all kinds of reasons.” The road to peace in Gaza is fraught with challenges, but with careful diplomacy and a focus on humanitarian needs, there is hope for a more stable future.
