Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (February 11 – 18 , 2025)

The ceasefire agreement and the release of the hostages

• On February 15, 2025, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) released three Israeli hostages in a “ceremony” in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, forcing the hostages to praise their captors. Israel then released 369 Palestinian prisoners, including 36 serving life sentences and the rest from Gaza who were detained after the October 7, 2023 attack and massacre. Twenty-six of the prisoners were deported to Egypt (Israeli media, February 15, 2025).
• The exchange took place despite Hamas’ announcement on February 10, 2025, regarding halting hostage releases “until further notice,” claiming Israel was “violating” the humanitarian protocol of the ceasefire agreement by not allowing the entry of heavy engineering equipment for clearing rubble, caravans and an adequate supply of tents and fuel. A Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Haya, the de facto head of Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza, held talks in Egypt, after which Hamas announced its commitment to implement the agreement, including the exchange of “prisoners” (Hamas Telegram channel, February 13, 2025).

     
Right: Stage erected for the hostage release ceremony with signs opposing Trump’s “displacement” plan (Quds News Agency Telegram channel, February 15, 2025). Left: A “souvenir bag” with the PIJ military wing logo with “Mirage Unit”^[3] above it (Paltoday Telegram channel, February 15, 2025)

• Even after the sixth exchange, senior Hamas figures continued to accuse Israel of violating the humanitarian protocol of the ceasefire agreement and delaying progress toward the second phase:
  • Salama Marouf, head of the Hamas government media office in Gaza, accused Israel of “violating” the agreement by delaying the exit of the sick and wounded through the Rafah Crossing because of delays in the submission of lists. He threatened that continued “violations” could lead to escalation and called on the mediators to take a firm stand and intervene (Quds Press, February 16, 2025). He also criticized Israel’s refusal to allow caravans and heavy equipment into Gaza, claiming a clear evasion of its obligations, effectively declaring its intent to undermine the agreement, while Hamas remained committed as long as Israel complied. He urged the mediators to intervene and pressure Israel to meet its commitments (Gaza media office Telegram channel, February 16, 2025).
  • Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem claimed Hamas was committed to the ceasefire agreement as is, as proposed by the Biden administration, adding that “it is illogical to talk about changing it as long as it is being implemented.” He called on President Trump to pressure Israel to meet the terms instead of issuing threats or seeking changes (al-Arabiya X account, February 16, 2025; Al Jazeera Net, February 16, 2025). He said, “We will not allow the occupation to pick and choose its conditions while we fulfill them all,” recalling that Hamas had previously delayed a release, forcing Israel to comply (al-Alam, February 16, 2025).
  • Senior Hamas figure Sami Abu Zuhri accused Israel of not adhering to the ceasefire terms, adding that Hamas was waiting for the mediators to state their position. He said negotiations for the second phase of the deal were being held but that no progress had been made. He said that if Israel resumed fighting Hamas would do the same, adding, “The resistance is capable of teaching [Israel] lesson after lesson, and Hamas will remain” (Shehab News Agency Telegram channel, February 17, 2025).

IDF operations in the Gaza Strip

• Israeli forces fired warning shots at suspicious Gazans approaching them in the Gaza Strip and at suspicious vehicles moving northward along an unauthorized route without inspection (IDF Spokesperson, February 11–18, 2025). Palestinian media reported that three police officers had been killed in an Israeli attack in Rafah (Quds News Agency, February 16, 2025). Hamas condemned the attack, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, claiming the officers were “securing the entry of humanitarian aid” (Hamas Telegram channel, February 16, 2025).
• An Israeli Air Force aircraft attacked a drone and two suspects who were retrieving it in southern Gaza. The drone was attacked after it was detected crossing from Israeli territory into southern Gaza, having been tracked as it flew. The IDF reported that there had recently been several attempts to smuggle weapons into Gaza with drones (IDF spokesperson, February 12, 2025).
• On February 13, 2025, a rocket was fired inside the Gaza Strip but did not cross into Israel. Shortly afterward, the launcher was attacked (IDF spokesperson, February 13, 2025). Eyewitnesses reported that Israel had attacked in an open area in the al-Bureij refugee camp shortly after a locally-made rocket “accidentally exploded.” They said that “police bomb disposal units were attempting to dismantle unexploded ordnance” when a rocket which had been prepared for use “in the past” suddenly ignited, traveled a short distance and fell and exploded inside Gaza (al-Ayam, February 14, 2025).

The situation in the Gaza Strip

• According to a report by the UN secretary general, the basic cost for Gaza’s short-, medium- and long-term reconstruction is estimated at more than $53 billion, with more than $20 billion needed over the next three years. According to the report, more than 60% of homes and buildings in Gaza were destroyed, with the housing sector requiring approximately $15 billion for reconstruction. It was also noted that the costs for restoring commerce, agriculture, sanitation and other infrastructure would be particularly high. The secretary general said the Palestinian Authority had to be at the center of Gaza’s recovery, stating that “urgent planning is required” (UN website, February 11, 2025).
• Egypt has reportedly developed a Gaza reconstruction plan, including clearing rubble within six months, establishing safe zones for residents, providing secure housing within 18 months and setting up mobile hospitals and schools. The plan will bring in 24 international companies and 18 consulting firms to carry out projects with support from Arab and European countries. Consultations are being held to prepare for an international reconstruction conference with Arab and European participation (al-Arabiya, February 13, 2025). Bassem Na’im, a member of the Hamas political bureau, said Egypt’s reconstruction plan was being developed in coordination with Qatar, other Arab and European entities, and international organizations, and its cost was estimated at $50–70 billion, with three phases of reconstruction which did not involve Trump’s proposed “displacement.”^[4]
• The Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia announced the construction of a field hospital on its grounds, supported by the charity organization Madad Palestine (Kamal Adwan Hospital Facebook page, February 13–16, 2025).

     
Constructing the field hospital (Kamal Adwan Hospital Facebook page, February 13–16, 2025)

• On February 12, 2025, Qatar announced the delivery of 15 million liters of fuel to Gaza, bringing its total to 30 million liters,^[5] for operating hospitals and shelters for displaced persons (Qatar News Agency, February 12, 2025).
• An Egyptian delegation of 11 medical specialists arrived at the European Hospital in Khan Yunis to treat war injuries such as fractures, pelvic injuries and infections, and to performs plastic surgeries and hand surgeries (European Hospital Gaza Facebook page, February 13, 2025).
• Gaza’s ministry of public works and housing estimated that the number of housing units completely destroyed or severely damaged would exceed 280,000, with 250,000 units mapped so far, including 170,000 completely destroyed and 80,000 rendered uninhabitable (Hamas government media office Telegram channel, February 16, 2025).
• According to a report of unclear reliability, Egyptian businessman Ibrahim al-Arjani effectively controls the entry of aid trucks and commercial goods into Gaza. “Egyptian and Palestinian sources” reported that commercial trucks are required to pay at least $20,000 to enter Gaza. Additionally, companies linked to al-Arjani, including Sons of Sinai and Golden Eagle, have taken over the management of aid shipments, sidelining the Egyptian Red Crescent. Al-Arjani’s monopoly on goods crossing through Rafah has led to a sharp increase in prices for essential items in Gaza, with reports of additional payments being demanded to prioritize certain trucks, fostering corruption and bribery at the Rafah Crossing (Middle East Eye, February 13, 2025).
• The Turkish IHH announced it had erected six “tent cities” in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire began, consisting of 683 tents housing 870 families totaling approximately 4,350 people (IHH official website, February 17, 2025).^[6]

Palestinian Authority (PA) activity in the Gaza Strip

• Muhammad Mustafa, PA prime minister, said the government had taken practical steps to improve the lives of the Gazans to ensure them a dignified life. He said the reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip amounted to $80 million, whose objective was to provide safe temporary housing for Gazans and assist in the full reconstruction of homes. He said reconstructing the Gaza Strip required a full Israeli withdrawal and agreements with Hamas for regional stability. He called for an international conference to discuss the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, adding that the PA had already held discussions with Egypt and the international community to hold the conference in Cairo (al-Arabiya, February 13, 2025).
• The PA water commission announced that over 100 emergency interventions had been carried out in the Gaza Strip to improve water and sanitation services, financed with funds from Arab countries. The interventions included the repair of the Israeli Mekorot transmission line connected to the Bani Suheila reservoir, improving water transfer and ensuring safe drinking water in the Khan Yunis district (PA water commission Facebook page, February 12, 2025).

• The Arab League’s Economic and Social Council met in Cairo, attended by a Palestinian delegation led by Muhammad al-Amour, the minister of national economy. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Arab League secretary general, called for emergency programs to assist Gazans and resist their “displacement.” The meeting focused on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, support for small and medium-sized businesses and the activation of an Arab financial safety net. Al-Amour proposed convening an international conference for the reconstruction of “Palestine,” emphasizing education, health, infrastructure and strengthening economic and technological cooperation in the Arab world (Wafa, February 13, 2025).

Hamas governance

• The al-Qata’tah clan in the southern Gaza Strip accused Hamas security forces of carrying out a violent raid in the refugee camp in western Khan Yunis, during which clan member Fares Muhammad Ali Abu Salameh was killed and four of his brothers were seriously injured. The clan held the security forces fully responsible and demanded an investigation and the prosecution of those responsible. They also warned that if proper punishment were not carried out, the clan itself would take revenge (al-Qata’tah Youth Council Facebook page, February 14, 2025).
• According to reports, operatives from Hamas’ Arrow Unit killed two members of the Jandiya clan and wounded six during a raid on the clan’s compound in the al-Shejaiya neighborhood in Gaza City (Gaza News Telegram channel, February 15, 2025).
• Gazans criticized Hamas on social media after armed operatives from its military wing gave gold earrings to one of the released Israeli hostages as a gift for his daughter, who was born while he was held captive in Gaza. According to one post, “Whoever lets his own people’s children freeze to death while giving gold to the child of a Zionist prisoner is clearly begging for the Zionists and Americans to maintain their rule in Gaza” (Nouraahmed’s X account, February 15, 2025). According to another, “Nice, you’re giving gifts to the Israeli prisoner’s child, but what about the Gazan who lost his children and his entire family, did you even consider him at all? Any reasonable gift?” (Amjad Abu Kosh’s X account, February 15, 2025). According to a third, “If Hamas is so humane towards prisoners, giving them gold and gifts, why did they kidnap them in the first place? They should have left them at the party to dance and protected Gaza instead of performing ridiculous acts just to show the world they are humane” (Hisham al-Amer’s Telegram channel, February 15, 2025).
• The Deir al-Balah police station issued a notice calling on anyone possessing public or private property, military equipment of the “resistance” or any government entity, or those involved in theft or actions harming public order, to report to the police station by February 20, 2025, to resolve their legal status. It warned that failure to comply would result in legal and national accountability (Telegram channel of journalist Safinaz al-Louh – Gaza, February 16, 2025).
• “Sources in Hamas” reported that the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip forced the movement to postpone elections for the head of its political bureau, a position left vacant by the killing of Yahya al-Sinwar on September 16, 2024. As a result, the current leadership, led by Shura Council chairman Mohammad Darwish, will continue until stability allows elections. There is consensus within Hamas regarding the need to elect or appoint a bureau chief for the Gaza Strip, with Khalil al-Haya temporarily filling the position. After losing commanders during the war, Hamas has begun reorganizing the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades by appointing new ones. Hamas is also struggling with the loss of many personnel in its governing bodies, leading to a lack of control over areas such as pricing and law enforcement. Despite Hamas’ efforts to project stability by deploying forces, signs of chaos are evident and police stations are struggling with crime. Public opposition to Hamas is growing, with some former supporters accusing the movement of making a strategic mistake by launching the October 7, 2023, attack (al-Sharq al-Awsat, February 17, 2025).

“The day after”

• An “Egyptian source involved in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations” reported that Egypt was conducting intensive talks to establish an interim committee to oversee aid and Gaza’s reconstruction. According to the report, Hamas affirmed its commitment to the three-phase ceasefire agreement and claimed it would not participate in governing Gaza in the next phase (al-Qahera News, February 16, 2025). Senior Hamas figures also claimed the movement did not seek to govern Gaza “the day after” the war but called for a national consensus on the body which would manage the Strip:
  • Bassem Na’im, a member of the Hamas political bureau, claimed Hamas had repeatedly stated it did not seek to govern and was willing to step aside if there was national consensus on Gaza’s administration (aljazeera.net, February 15, 2025).
  • Hamas spokesman Abd al-Latif al-Qanua said that Hamas’ position on Gaza’s future governance had been conveyed to mediators in Egypt and Qatar after consulting with Palestinian “factions.”^[7] He said post-war governance had to be purely Palestinian through national consensus, and while Hamas did not seek to govern, it supported a national unity government without its participation. However, he reiterated that “armed resistance against Israeli occupation” was the “right” of all Palestinians, and Hamas committed only to not participating in Gaza’s administration (al-Sharq al-Awsat, February 16, 2025).
  • However, Ayman Shaana, a Hamas figure in Lebanon, denied Hamas was prepared to hand over governance to the PA or the PLO, stating Hamas would continue playing a central role in Gaza. He claimed Hamas was open to Palestinian unity and saw it as a way to confront external threats (Sputnik, February 16, 2025).
  • “Exclusive sources” reported that Hamas sent a communiqué to the PLO expressing willingness to transfer Gaza’s governance to the PA and a government committee, conditioned on reemployment or pension guarantees for Gazan employees (Sky News Arabic, February 17, 2025).
  • “Knowledgeable sources” claimed Hamas faced significant pressure to disarm and withdraw from Gaza’s political scene to advance the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes reconstruction. The plan, proposed to the United States by several countries, includes disarmament in exchange for abandoning Trump’s Gaza emigration plan and starting reconstruction. Hamas reportedly conveyed its support for independent Palestinian governance to Egypt and other Arab countries but firmly rejected disarming the “resistance”^[8] (al-Araby al-Jadeed, February 17, 2025).
• However, senior PA and Fatah figures urged Hamas to relinquish Gaza’s control and hand it over to the PA:
  • Mahmoud al-Habbash, advisor to PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, called on Hamas to step aside and transfer Gaza’s responsibility to the PA to prevent further Palestinian bloodshed (al-Hadath, February 13, 2025).
  • The PA reportedly opposed a committee-led Gaza administration with Hamas participation, aiming for full PA control over Gaza, Judea and Samaria. Jibril Rajoub, secretary of Fatah’s Central Committee, warned that a committee with Hamas as a member would deepen division and urged Hamas to allow full PA governance (al-Sharq Instagram, February 16, 2025).
  • Fatah spokesman Abd al-Fattah presented Fatah’s vision of governance, urging Hamas to reconsider its stance while leaving the doors to dialogue open (al-Arabiya, February 16, 2025).
  • Fatah spokesman Maher al-Namoura said Hamas had to withdraw, stating the PA could manage and rebuild Gaza, criticizing Hamas’ statements during prisoner exchanges as provocative, and fearing Israeli retaliation (al-Hadath, February 17, 2025).
• Egypt’s foreign ministry announced an emergency Arab summit would be held in Cairo on March 4, 2025, to discuss Palestinian developments, postponed from February 27 to finalize logistical preparations (Egyptian foreign ministry Facebook page, February 18, 2025).

Terrorist attacks

• Stabbing attack in Gan Ner: On February 14, 2025, a Palestinian from Jenin attacked an Israeli civilian with an axe near his home in the village of Gan Ner in the Gilboa region in northern Israel. Israeli security forces launched a manhunt for the terrorist, detaining him after 24 hours (Israel Police Force spokesperson’s unit and Israeli media, February 14-15, 2025).
• Attempted vehicle ramming attack near Nablus: On February 13, 2025, a Palestinian drove to the entrance to an IDF brigade headquarters south of Nablus. His behavior was suspicious and threatening, and the soldiers shot and killed him (IDF spokesperson and Israeli media, February 13, 2025). “Palestinian sources” reported that he came from the village of Beita and that the previous day two of his brothers had been detained by IDF forces (Beita-Yashir Telegram page, February 13, 2025).

Counterterrorism activities

• This past week, Israeli security forces continued Operation Iron Wall in the areas of Jenin, Tulkarm, Tubas and Tammun. The forces targeted terrorist operatives, detained dozens of Palestinians wanted for and suspected of terrorist activities, located and destroyed weapons and explosives, including a car bomb, and seized firearms. An IDF soldier was injured. Meanwhile, Israeli security forces continued routine operations in Judea and Samaria, detaining terrorists and seizing weapons and funds for terrorist activities. The home of a terrorist involved in the killing of an IDF soldier in Jenin in June 2024 was demolished (IDF spokesperson, February 11-18, 2025).
• A spokesman for the Jenin refugee camp said that during 25 days of Israeli operations, 25 civilians had been killed, more than 20,000 residents had been displaced, over 150 “civilians” had been detained and extensive destruction had been caused to infrastructure, homes and basic services. The committee called for international intervention and noted that Jenin residents would continue to “resist the occupation” (Jenin News Telegram channel, February 14, 2025).
• According to Tulkarm Governor Abdallah Kamil, the number of displaced persons from the Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps has reached between 15,000 and 16,000 (Palestine Team Telegram channel, February 18, 2025).

• Israeli security forces detained two Arab-Israeli youths from Zemer and Qalansuwa on suspicion of planning to attack civilians and security forces. The investigation revealed that the two planned shootings and vehicle ramming attacks. One of them also purchased materials for Molotov cocktails and attempted to produce explosives to attack a bus carrying soldiers (Shin Bet and Israel Police Force spokesperson’s units, February 13, 2025).

International activity

• Mahmoud Abbas, PA chairman, attended the 38^th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, where he met with several foreign leaders, including Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. Abbas discussed developments in the “Palestinian territories” and expressed his opposition to attempts to “displace” Palestinians. He gave a speech reiterating the need to secure the ceasefire, provide humanitarian aid and rebuild the Gaza Strip while opposing calls for the “expulsion” of Palestinians, which he claimed were aimed to divert attention from the “crimes” the “occupation” committed in Gaza, in Judea and Samaria. According to Mahmoud Abbas, 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza are 1948 refugees and he called for the implementation of UN Resolution 194 for their return. He warned that Israel’s “colonialist” actions threatened the two-state solution and urged swift international action. He reiterated the Palestinian “commitment to international law” and the Arab peace initiative, and called for recognition of the “State of Palestine” and full UN membership (Wafa, February 14-15, 2025).

• Abbas spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, thanking him for France’s opposition to the “displacement” of Palestinians and support for the ceasefire and peace efforts. They discussed recent developments in the “Palestinian territories,” including stabilizing the ceasefire, rebuilding Gaza and making the PA responsible for it (Wafa, February 16, 2025).
• Abbas met in Amman with World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder, to whom he reiterated the PA’s strong rejection of the “displacement” of Palestinian “civilians” from Gaza or Judea and Samaria. Lauder expressed support for a two-state solution-based peace (Wafa, February 17, 2025).
• Muhammad Mustafa, PA prime minister. attended the Munich Security Conference, where he met with foreign leaders, including Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir and German Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. They discussed developments in the “Palestinian territories,” humanitarian aid and Gaza’s reconstruction. Mustafa also addressed [alleged] Israeli “attacks” and “violations” in Judea, Samaria and east Jerusalem, and expressed opposition to the plans for “expelling” the Palestinians. He met with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi, to whom he praised Yemen’s historic support for “Palestine” and discussed Arab coordination, anti-annexation efforts and reconstruction (Wafa, February 15, 2025).
• Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary of the PLO’s Executive Committee, met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, with whom he discussed the “Israeli escalation” in Judea and Samaria and reiterated the need for more effective European action to ensure the stability of the ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid and immediate reconstruction. Both opposed any “forced expulsion” of Palestinians and emphasized Gaza, Judea and Samaria unity as essential for a just and sustainable political solution. Al-Sheikh noted the EU’s strategic role in supporting Palestinian national rights and expressed gratitude for ongoing European political and humanitarian support. Metsola reaffirmed the EU’s full commitment to the two-state solution (Hussein al-Sheikh’s X account, February 14, 2025).

The Palestinian National Congress in Qatar

• On February 17, 2025, the Palestinian National Congress convened in Qatar with 400 representatives from Judea, Samaria, the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian dispersal and Arab states, with the objective of establishing a united national leadership and reorganizing the PLO. Mustafa al-Barghouti, secretary general of the Palestinian National Initiative, said the conference did not seek to replace the PLO but to restore its central role in the national “struggle.” There were calls for “resistance to the occupation,” full liberation of “Palestine” and protection of Palestinian rights, including the [so-called] “right of return”^[9] and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Attendees also rejected the Oslo Accords and security coordination with Israel, urging national unity and implementation of the reconciliation document and the Beijing Declaration on Palestinian factional reconciliation. Senior participants, including former PLO Executive Committee members, highlighted the need for new political mechanisms and structural reforms within the PLO based on democratic principles (al-Araby al-Jadeed, February 17, 2025).