Description: The Israeli Defense Forces have stated that five Palestinians were killed while attempting to cross the Yellow Line which was demarcated as part of the IDF’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF’s statements the individuals were previously warned not to approach the military’s position and after declining to adhere to the commands were shot by the IDF. Israel also accused Hamas of violation of the ceasefire for stalling the delivery of the 28 dead hostages still in their captivity. Hamas had previously stated that due to the destruction of the Strip, the bodies would be subsequently delivered when they are located. Four out of the 28 dead hostages were delivered to Israel previously. In response to the delayed exchange Israel initially blocked the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip through the crossing in Ramallah, however, it stated that the blockade would be lifted once Hamas continued with the delivery of the hostages. In Gaza City, after publicly executing members of rival clans, Hamas attempting to restore control in key areas through violent and brutal means as the organization faces the first challenges after the IDF’s withdrawal.
Impact: The initial weak points of the 20 – point peace plan have started to emerge from both Israel and Hamas, undermining the peace platform and adding to the uncertainty and unpredictability of its implementation. Israel’s armed targeting and prohibition of humanitarian aid in the Strip constitute as initial violations of the ceasefire, while Hamas’ public executions are threatening long – term instability within the enclave due to internal power struggles of organizations such as the Popular Forces, the Doghmush clan and other organizations such as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Popular Resistance Committees, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The situation emphasizes the need for expedient involvement of the so – called International Stabilization Force and establishment of institutions and organizations that would ensure stable transition and incorporation of the provisions from the 20 – point plan. The ceasefire is expected to hold despite the initial challenges which are yet to unravel towards the long – term obstacles of the peace plan such as the role and involvement of Hamas in the future administration of Gaza, the Palestinian statehood and Israel’s internal political struggles as well as the country’s interpretation of the provisions outlined in the peace plan.