In the news
On 1 March, after 42 days, the first phase of the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hamas came to an end. 

On 2 March, Israel stopped the humanitarian aid convoy from entering Gaza, following the refusal of Hamas to extend the first phase of ceasefire for some more period, before starting the second phase.

On 5 March 2025, Trump threatened Hamas once again. In a social media post, he warned Hamas: “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you… I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say… This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.” His post also said: “To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!". His note concluded: “Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”

On 5 March, the New York Times reported about a meeting between the US and Hamas in Doha, focusing on the release of an American hostage and four bodies of Israeli Americans.

Issues at large
First a brief note on the first phase of the ceasefire. On 19 January, both Israel and Hamas had agreed to kickstart a three-phase deal. The first phase was to last for six weeks; both Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire during this phase, an exchange of a certain number of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel. As a part of the above, Hamas released 25 hostages from its captivity and eight dead bodies; Israel released more than 1900 Palestinian prisoners. Israel was also to allow humanitarian aid to move into Gaza, which also took place during the six weeks.

Second, issues in kickstarting the second phase of the ceasefire. The second phase of the ceasefire was to start from the first week of March, which would lead to a permanent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The second phase should also see the complete release of hostages by Hamas and further release of a specified number of prisoners by Israel. This phase should also result in the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel’s conditions, Trump’s threats and Hamas’ reluctance have raised a question mark over the starting of the second phase of the ceasefire. Israel and the US have asked for an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire, before the second phase starts. Negotiations with Hamas started during mid-February on extending the first phase. The Wall Street Journal quoted a Hamas leader saying: “Extending the first phase depends on what is put on the table and the guarantees of the occupation’s commitment.” As on 6 March, there was no response from Hamas to the new Israeli-American proposal to extend the first phase, before starting the second phase.

Third, direct US-Hamas negotiations, and Trump’s threats. Since February 2025, the US and Hamas have been in direct contact, after their first meeting at Doha. According to reports available in the open domain, the US wants Hamas to release all the hostages including the Americans (one alive and four dead). Hamas wants a larger deal that includes a permanent end to the war, and the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza. Trump has been threatening Hamas for the last two weeks that hell would break out if the latter fails to adhere to the deal. He has also proposed a plan to displace the Palestinians from Gaza and convert it into a Riviera of the Middle East. 
 
In perspective
First, the successful completion of the first phase of the ceasefire. Despite hiccups, Israel and Hamas completed the first phase of the ceasefire, which resulted in the release of 25 hostages and eight dead bodies by Hamas and more than 1900 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. But the real challenge is moving from the first phase to the second one. Both Israel and Hamas have been negotiating and blowing hot and cold. As on 6 March, the situation remains challenging, but not totally out of control. 

Second, stopping the war or military operations is easy. Converting a ceasefire to permanent peace across conflict theaters has always been a challenging task. The negotiations are continuing; both Israel and Hamas have taken the first step. They should now take the second.