Crisis in Gaza - Ceasefire on the Brink

Middle East on Edge: Ceasefire in Gaza Nears Collapse as Israel Threatens War

February 13, 2025

Tensions in Gaza have reached a boiling point as Israeli officials warn of an imminent return to war if Hamas does not release three living captives by Saturday. Meanwhile, Hamas has stated it intends to proceed with the release, after postponing earlier exchanges over accusations that Israel violated the terms of the truce. The fragile 42-day ceasefire now hangs in the balance, as both sides engage in a precarious game of diplomacy and military threats.

The Looming Return to War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel is prepared to resume military operations in Gaza if the captives are not freed as scheduled. In response, Hamas has expressed its commitment to continuing the hostage releases but has vehemently rejected Israel’s ultimatums, calling them acts of intimidation. With both sides refusing to yield, the prospect of renewed violence appears increasingly likely.

The breakdown of the ceasefire would spell disaster for civilians in Gaza, where more than two million people are already struggling with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Humanitarian groups warn that another round of intense Israeli bombardment could lead to unprecedented casualties and displacement, worsening an already dire situation.

Mass Relocation or War Crime?

As the ceasefire teeters, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited controversy with his latest proposal: permanently removing Palestinians from Gaza and transforming the coastal enclave into a luxury resort destination. His vision of a “Riviera of the Middle East” has been met with outrage, with human rights groups labeling it a potential war crime under international law.

Trump’s plan, which appears to fluctuate with each public statement, has suggested forcibly transferring Gaza’s population to Egypt or Jordan—despite both nations’ strong opposition. Palestinian leaders and activists argue that such rhetoric dangerously normalizes the erasure of their people.

“He is talking as if the Palestinians are cattle, you can move them from one place to another. They have no agency, they have no say,” said Munir Nuseibah, a professor of international law at Al-Quds University.

World Leaders at Odds

The international community remains deeply divided on the best course of action in Gaza. The Biden administration has distanced itself from Trump’s radical relocation proposal but has stopped short of condemning Israel’s military threats. Meanwhile, European leaders are split—while some push for a renewed diplomatic approach, others argue that Hamas’ continued control of Gaza makes long-term peace impossible.

Egypt and Jordan have fiercely opposed any suggestion that they absorb displaced Palestinians. Egyptian officials have warned that any forced relocation would violate international law and destabilize the region. Jordan’s King Abdullah II has also rejected the idea, stating that Palestinian sovereignty must be respected and that displacement is not a solution.

On the other hand, Israeli hardliners view Trump’s proposal as a rare opportunity to permanently resolve what they see as the “Palestinian problem.” Far-right Israeli politicians have openly entertained the idea, arguing that removing Gaza’s population would end the cycle of war. However, such views have sparked global condemnation, with critics warning that mass displacement would amount to ethnic cleansing.

The Two Possible Futures for Gaza

If Palestinians in Gaza were forcibly relocated, the consequences could be catastrophic. Mass displacement would not only create a humanitarian disaster but could also spark further conflict in neighboring countries. Egypt and Jordan have made it clear they will not accept millions of refugees, which could force desperate populations into makeshift camps in unstable regions, fueling further unrest.

Conversely, if Palestinians remain in Gaza under current conditions, the situation remains equally bleak. With infrastructure in ruins, the economy in freefall, and basic necessities in scarce supply, the enclave is on the brink of collapse. If war resumes, civilians will bear the brunt of the devastation, further deepening resentment and making peace an even more distant dream.

Gaza stands at a perilous crossroads. While the ceasefire still holds for now, the path forward is riddled with threats of war, forced displacement, and deep geopolitical fractures. As world leaders clash over its fate, the people of Gaza continue to endure a nightmare that shows no sign of ending.

Whether through diplomacy or destruction, decisions made in the coming days will shape the region’s future for generations to come.