The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the likelihood of transitioning to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza appears slim, due to the absence of clear solutions regarding the future of the Strip and the disarmament of Hamas.

According to the paper, progress in the Cairo negotiations remains extremely limited, as neither side is showing willingness to advance on core issues. “Israel,” the report states, is unwilling to withdraw from large parts of Gaza, while Hamas refuses to give up its weapons without full guarantees of an Israeli withdrawal and a detailed plan on how surrendered arms would be handled.

The report also notes that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reluctant to authorize further withdrawals before the Israeli elections scheduled for next year, and that the presence of two Israeli bodies in Gaza is being used to justify delays to the public.