Hamas Demands Increased International Pressure on Israel for Ceasefire's Next Phase

Hamas has called for the international community to exert greater pressure on Israel to ensure the progression of the ceasefire agreement's next phase in Gaza. This urgent appeal, made on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, highlights ongoing efforts to de-escalate the conflict and facilitate crucial humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges, as reported by The Associated Press.

A senior Hamas official, Husam Badran, emphasized that the second phase of the US-backed plan cannot advance while alleged Israeli "violations" persist. He urged mediators to compel Israel to adhere to the initial agreement's terms, according to Xinhua.

Among Hamas's key demands are the full reopening of the Rafah border crossing, an end to deadly Israeli strikes, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to the war-devastated Gaza Strip. These conditions are deemed essential for any further progress in negotiations, PBS news reported.

The ceasefire, which commenced on October 10, 2025, was intended to halt over two years of intense conflict. However, the truce remains fragile, with both sides frequently accusing each other of breaches, as noted by The Times of Israel.

Israel, for its part, states it is ready for the next, more complex phase of the 20-point ceasefire agreement, but insists on the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated this readiness on Sunday, December 7, 2025, according to pbs News.

The situation remains highly sensitive, with mediators like Egypt, Qatar, and the United States working to navigate the intricate negotiations. A high-level trilateral meeting between the US, Israel, and Qatar occurred on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in New York, focusing on the peace agreement's implementation, The Hindu reported.

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated on Saturday, December 6, 2025, that the current truce cannot be considered a full ceasefire until Israeli forces completely withdraw from Gaza. He stressed the need for stability to return to the region, as reported by The Hindu.

• Background and Ceasefire Genesis: The current ceasefire, which began on October 10, 2025, followed over two years of conflict sparked by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. This initial phase involved the release of most hostages by Hamas and approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, along with Israel's withdrawal to a "Yellow Line" within Gaza, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

• Alleged Violations and Demands: Hamas political bureau member Husam Badran accused Israel of numerous violations, including the continued closure of the Rafah crossing, obstruction of aid deliveries, and ongoing military actions within Gaza. He specifically cited the demolition of Palestinian homes and killings since the ceasefire began, Xinhua reported on December 9, 2025.

• The "Yellow Line" Controversy: Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir's description of the "Yellow Line" as a "new borderline" inside Gaza has been strongly rejected by Hamas. This statement, made on Sunday, December 7, 2025, is seen by Hamas as a clear indication of Israel's non-compliance with the ceasefire terms, according to Al Jazeera.

• Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Flow: The United Nations and other aid organizations report that humanitarian aid entering Gaza is woefully insufficient, despite the ceasefire. While Israel's COGAT claims 600-800 trucks enter daily, the UN recorded an average of only 120 trucks per day over the past month, as detailed by The Associated Press on December 9, 2025.

• Phase Two Objectives and Obstacles: The second phase of the ceasefire agreement, part of U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, envisions the disarmament of Hamas, further Israeli troop withdrawal, and the deployment of an international stabilization force. However, progress is stalled by the demand for the return of the last Israeli hostage's remains and Hamas's reluctance to disarm without an end to Israeli occupation, according to the Council on Foreign Relations and PBS News.

• Mediators' Efforts and International Stance: Key mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, are actively involved in pushing the agreement forward. Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, emphasized the need for Israeli withdrawal and an international force for the ceasefire to be fully implemented, as reported by The Hindu on December 8, 2025.

• Hamas's Disarmament Position: While the ceasefire plan calls for Hamas to disarm, the group has indicated an openness to "freezing or storing" its weapons. However, a senior Palestinian official familiar with discussions told Middle East Eye on December 9, 2025, that Hamas would only consider burying its weapons if Israel fully withdraws from Gaza and mediators guarantee compliance.

• Casualties Since Ceasefire: Despite the ceasefire, Palestinian health officials reported at least 376 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October 10, 2025. Israel maintains these actions target suspected militants or individuals posing a threat near the "Yellow Line," though some casualties include women and children, according to pbs News and The Guardian.