As expected during the last 3 weeks, Palestinian fractions in Gaza have re-put the truce on table again for discussion. Hamas and Islamic Jihad officials held the first of a series of meetings regarding the fate of the Gaza ceasefire on Tuesday evening at the home of Hamas leader Ayman Taha.

Hamas announced the meeting as the beginning of a series of consultations about the ceasefire with other Palestinian factions in Gaza. The truce, already shaken by three weeks of siege, deadly Israeli incursions, and Palestinian rocket fire, expires on 19 December.

Earlier in the day, an Israeli air strike killed two Palestinian teenagers in southern Gaza.

“Two weeks remain, and the ceasefire comes to an end. Then we can say what we need to say. Nothing was discussed about future extension. Deeper evaluation will be needed and more consultations between all factions as occupation did not adhere with that agreement brokered by the Egyptians,” said Khalil Al-Hayya, one of the big leaders of Hamas.

Islamic Jihad’s Nafith Azzam said, “Discussions revealed that advantages were less than disadvantages, and occupation benefited from that ceasefire more than the Palestinians. The Islamic Jihad has not yet reached final decision on the future of ceasefire, however what is going on the ground is not encouraging.”

It is true that situation has badly developed in Gaza in terms of humanitarian facts despite the presence of the truce which have proven that it still lower than all Palestinians expectations and hopes. It may look like keeping such truce will benefit Israeli side only and leaving the Palestinians without even basic needs in hand and closed crossing points considering that as a very cheep price to be given to the Israeli for holding such truce.