Hamas leader Bassem Naim has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to undermine the existing three-phase ceasefire agreement signed on January 19, 2025. Naim emphasized that no new agreement exists, rejecting claims of a temporary ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff during Ramadan and Passover.  

Naim reiterated that the only valid agreement is the original three-phase deal brokered under Egyptian, Qatari, and American sponsorship. He described Netanyahu’s moves, backed by the U.S. administration, as a "clear coup against the ceasefire agreement," reflecting Palestinian resistance factions' frustration over perceived Israeli efforts to bypass the truce terms.  

Netanyahu's office recently announced Israeli agreement to a U.S.-backed proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover (April 12-20), which included the release of half of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. However, Naim dismissed the plan, calling it an attempt to destabilize the original agreement and escalate tensions.  

Naim urged the international community to pressure Israel to honor the signed agreement, warning that Netanyahu's refusal to adhere to the framework endangers lives on both sides. With the first phase of the ceasefire expired and negotiations for the second phase stalled since February 3, the situation remains precarious.  

As mediation efforts continue, Egypt and Qatar play crucial roles in salvaging the fragile truce. However, Israeli insistence on renegotiating terms risks unraveling months of diplomacy. Critics argue that Netanyahu's approach aligns with U.S.-backed strategies to maintain control over occupied territories while avoiding meaningful concessions to Palestinian demands.  

With Ramadan approaching and Gaza's humanitarian crisis worsening due to aid restrictions, the stakes are high. Failure to resolve the impasse could reignite hostilities, undermining peace efforts and exacerbating the suffering of millions. Naim's warnings underscore the urgent need for international pressure to ensure compliance with the original ceasefire agreement and rebuild trust for a sustainable resolution.