The release of this video coincided with the scheduled conclusion of the first phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel on January 19.
Disputes over the next steps in the truce have emerged, with Israel advocating for the release of additional hostages under an extended first phase, while Hamas seeks to transition directly into the second phase, aiming for a permanent cessation of the conflict.
Under the peace agreement’s terms, the cessation of fighting in Gaza will continue as long as negotiations for the second phase continue.
Israeli negotiators recently visited Cairo to discuss the truce with Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators, following a visit by Hamas officials the previous week.
What does the new Hamas video show?
The video features Israeli brothers Iair and Eitan Horn embracing, with the identities of other hostages blurred.
The footage, unverified independently, suggests it was recorded before February 15, when Iair Horn was released in a prisoner-for-hostage exchange with Israel.
Eitan Horn urges for the signing of the second and third phase of the truce, stating, “Sign the second and third phase. Enough of war.”
Hamas accompanied the video with the message, “Only a ceasefire agreement brings them back alive.”
In response, Israel affirmed it would not be swayed by Hamas’ propaganda and would persist in efforts to retrieve all hostages and achieve its war objectives.
How do Israel and Hamas see the ceasefire progressing?
Israel is pushing for a 42-day extension of the first phase, whereas Hamas is insisting on advancing to the second phase to permanently end the Gaza war.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem has rejected Israel’s proposal, urging mediators to enforce compliance with all aspects of the agreement.
A Hamas statement emphasized readiness to complete the ceasefire’s remaining phases, aiming for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire, military withdrawal, reconstruction, and the lifting of the siege from Gaza.
The ceasefire follows a 15-month period of Israeli bombardment, with more than 60% of Gaza’s infrastructure damaged in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
This attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the abduction of about 250 hostages to Gaza. The Israeli military’s subsequent operations have claimed the lives of approximately 48,000 individuals in Gaza.
Hamas reports lack of progress in talks
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for avoiding the resumption of hostilities, emphasizing the need to prevent further suffering and instability.
Thanks to the truce, humanitarian aid has begun flowing into the Gaza Strip, where widespread destruction and famine have been widespread due to the conflict.
Israeli officials reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would consult with security chiefs and ministers upon their return from Cairo.
A Hamas official mentioned the lack of progress in negotiations and uncertainty regarding the resumption of talks.
During the first phase, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages, while Israel freed around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
