Live updates: Trump says ceasefire ends Wednesday evening and a further extension is ‘highly unlikely’

Trump ceasefire ends Wednesday with no extension expected

Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

Washington announced the Gaza ceasefire will expire Wednesday evening after President Donald Trump declared any further extension “highly unlikely.”

The 47th president delivered the blunt assessment Tuesday during brief remarks to reporters, effectively ending days of speculation about whether the truce between Israel and Hamas would continue beyond its current 48-hour extension.

Trump’s statement carries immediate weight for thousands of displaced Palestinians and Israeli hostages’ families. The original ceasefire took effect January 19 after 15 months of war that killed over 46,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis. Mediators had hoped to convert the pause into a permanent settlement before Trump took office.

“Israel gave them an extension they didn’t deserve,” Trump said outside the White House. “But come Wednesday night, it’s over. Very highly unlikely there will be another extension.”

The president’s stance marks a sharp departure from predecessor Joe Biden’s administration, which had pressed for longer humanitarian pauses. Trump’s position aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has indicated readiness to resume military operations if hostage releases stall.

Qatar’s foreign ministry, which helped broker the original deal, expressed disappointment. “We continue working toward sustainable calm,” spokesperson Majed Al Ansari told Al Jazeera. “But Washington’s position creates complications.”

Egyptian officials privately shared similar concerns. Cairo had stationed additional troops along its Gaza border anticipating renewed fighting. “We’re preparing for multiple scenarios,” an Egyptian intelligence official said, requesting anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.

The timing proves particularly sensitive. Nearly 200 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 51 freed since the ceasefire began. Hamas had released captives in batches, expecting reciprocal Palestinian prisoner releases and increased humanitarian aid. Israel holds roughly 3,300 Palestinian security prisoners.

Humanitarian organizations warn renewed bombardment would devastate Gaza’s already crippled infrastructure. The UN Relief and Works Agency reports 1.9 million Palestinians remain displaced, many living in temporary shelters across the territory’s south. Winter rains have flooded makeshift camps, spreading disease.

“Another military offensive would push Gaza past the breaking point,” said Tamara Alrifai, UNRWA’s external relations director. “People need permanent peace, not temporary reprieves.”

Trump’s announcement reverberated through regional capitals. Saudi Arabia postponed planned discussions about post-war Gaza governance. The kingdom had conditioned any reconstruction contribution on progress toward Palestinian statehood, something Netanyahu’s government opposes.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged restraint. “We call on all parties to prioritize civilian protection,” she said in Brussels. “The cycle of violence must end.”

Defense analysts expect Israel to target southern Gaza’s Rafah area if fighting resumes. The city borders Egypt and hosts over 1 million displaced Palestinians. Previous Israeli operations there drew international condemnation over civilian casualties.

“Increasing military pressure appears to be Israel’s strategy,” said Michael Horowitz, head of intelligence at Le Beck International consultancy. “They believe it forces Hamas concessions on hostages.”

The ceasefire’s collapse would also affect regional shipping. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement had paused Red Sea attacks during the truce, saying they targeted Israel-linked vessels to pressure for Gaza aid. Commercial vessels await whether Houthi missiles return.

Oil markets reacted immediately. Brent crude futures rose 2.3% Tuesday, reaching $78.40 per barrel. Traders priced in potential supply disruptions if regional tensions escalate beyond Gaza.

Background

The Gaza conflict erupted October 7, 2023 when Hamas gunmen crossed from Gaza into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with massive airstrikes followed by ground invasion, eventually taking control of much of the territory.

Multiple ceasefires failed during the war’s first year. Biden’s administration brokered temporary pauses in November 2023 and again that December, but fighting always resumed. The current truce represents the longest cessation since the war began, lasting through Trump’s January 20 inauguration.

Trump had promised during his campaign to end the war “very quickly” without specifying how. His administration includes several hardline pro-Israel figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

What’s Next

All eyes turn to Wednesday’s 11:59 p.m. deadline. Hamas officials told Arab media outlets they remain willing to negotiate further hostage releases, but won’t accept Israeli demands for complete surrender. Israeli troops maintain positions around Gaza’s perimeter, ready to advance on command.