CEP Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler: "A complete ceasefire is unlikely; a reduction in fighting is more realistic. Hamas is fighting for its continued existence as a power factor in Gaza and the survival of its leadership. The Netanyahu government has three, sometimes contradictory, goals: destroying the Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, freeing the hostages, and ensuring the continued existence of the government. Reconciling these positions so that a general pause is possible will be difficult."