In a statement on 16/8, the armed group Hamas announced that it and its allied forces had fully complied with phase one of the ceasefire agreement. The group accused Israel of failing to uphold its commitments, escalating military activities on the ground, and "exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe."

"We call on the mediators and the Peace Council to fulfill their responsibilities, compel Israel to implement all obligations in phase one, cease violations, stop killings and raids, accept the roadmap for phase two of President Donald Trump's plan, and begin establishing an implementation schedule," the statement read.

Tent camps surround destroyed structures in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, on 14/8. Photo: AFP

Tent camps surround destroyed structures in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, on 14/8. Photo: AFP

Sources indicated that President Trump's envoy, Jared Kushner, met with the new Hamas leader, Khalil al-Hayya, in Egypt on 16/8. During the meeting, the U.S. envoy urged the implementation of "specific, verifiable steps" and conveyed the message that "the Gaza Strip must never be allowed to become a threat to Israel."

For years, the United States has refused contact with Hamas, which it lists as a terrorist organization. However, the Trump administration has become more open to direct dialogue with Hamas to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, notably negotiating a ceasefire agreement in 10/2025 for the release of Israeli hostages.

Kushner is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 17/8.

Three Middle Eastern nations mediating the negotiations, along with five other Muslim countries — Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, and Indonesia — issued a joint statement on 16/8 condemning Israel's rejection of the Gaza plan.

"Israel bears direct and full responsibility for obstructing peace. This rejection of the Gaza plan threatens to derail President Trump's extensive efforts," the document stated.

In response, Netanyahu's Likud party accused "Arab countries of wanting to remove the Israeli Prime Minister" in the upcoming election.

The "golden boundary" established by Israel under the phase one agreement. Graphic: Guardian

The "golden boundary" established by Israel under the phase one agreement. Graphic: Guardian

Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to oppose the U.S.-backed Gaza plan, despite assurances from Peace Council leader Nickolay Mladenov that Israel would not need to withdraw its forces from the area until Hamas fully disarmed.

Israel has resumed airstrikes targeting the Gaza Strip after a period of calm. Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for the Gaza Civil Defense, reported that several people were injured after Israel conducted an airstrike on a house in western Nuseirat.

Israel stated that these operations were a response to previous attacks by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, and affirmed its efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

According to Gaza health authorities, since the ceasefire took effect on 10/10/2025, at least 1,262 people have died in Israeli airstrikes. The United Nations considers this data reliable. The Israeli military reported that five Israeli soldiers were killed during this period.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Al Jazeera)