The current ceasefire situation in Gaza is hanging in the balance as Israel is adamant about extending the first phase of the agreement.
The Palestinians in Gaza had anticipated entering the sacred month of Ramadan as the second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was set to begin. However, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is now seeking to revisit the terms of the agreement.
Israel is applying pressure on Hamas to prolong the initial phase of the ceasefire, with the condition of releasing half of the remaining 59 captives. In addition, Israel has once again halted the provision of aid and supplies to Gaza.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the existing agreement and is calling on the international community to intervene.
The question now remains if the ceasefire can be salvaged.
Host: Rob Matheson
Guests:
Xavier Abu Eid – Political analyst, former advisor to the PLO and author of the book “Rooted in Palestine”
Francis Ricciardone – Former US ambassador to Egypt and Turkey, and former president of the American University in Cairo
Gershon Baskin – Middle East director of the NGO the International Communities Organization and a former peace and hostage negotiator
