HAMAS and Israel Accuse Each Other of Violating Cease Fire Agreement

What Happened?

This week HAMAS and Israel both accused each other of violating the fragile cease fire agreement, though for now hostilities have not resumed between the two combatants. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until HAMAS agreed to release Israeli captives without “humiliating ceremonies.” 

A HAMAS spokesman then characterized the delay by Netanyahu as “a deliberate attempt to disrupt the cease fire agreement.” 

Why it Matters

The Gaza War launched by HAMAS in October 2023 was paused by a cease fire agreement in January. But technically any violations of the cease fire could be used by either side as justification for the resumption of hostilities. 

Under international law a violation of the terms of a cease fire agreement is a valid reason for the continuation of a conflict. Though Israel and HAMAS accused each other of such violations, neither have indicated they plan to restart combat operations anytime soon. 

Such accusations underscore the fragility of the cease fire between HAMAS and Israel, which brought a temporary pause but not a permanent end to the fighting. The release ceremonies have not been the only point of contention. 

HAMAS also released propaganda videos showing hostages still being held being forced to watch the release of other captives, with the clear intent of inflicting psychological distress on the hostages and their families. Indeed the videos have caused an outcry in Israel, though they also provided evidence that the hostages in question were still alive. 

In addition, HAMAS returned at least four bodies to Israel of hostages that died or were killed in captivity. But forensic testing by Israel showed one of the bodies was not who HAMAS had claimed. 

Hamas has also accused Israel of not living up to its commitments to permit heavy machinery, tents and caravans into Gaza. A HAMAS spokesman said the organization would not carry out the next hostage handover as scheduled.

Taken together these disagreements and accusations have strained an already tense situation between Israel and HAMAS. With the first phase of the cease fire set to expire on March 1, it is unclear what will happen after that date has passed. 

Neither side has given any overt indications they plan to continue combat operations, but once the temporary truce is over, more fighting is a distinct possibility. 

How it Affects You

A resumption of hostilities between Israel and HAMAS could bring back the threat of a wider regional war. 

If fighting resumes the Houthi could resume their attacks on commercial shipping off the coast of Yemen and Iran could resume attacks as well. 

That would mean American and British forces in the Persian Gulf would have to resume defensive and offensive operations against the Houthi and potentially Iran.