The Israeli government has extended a ceasefire in Gaza for the next six weeks, providing a fragile hope for peace amid ongoing negotiations for hostage release.
Israel Extends Gaza Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Israel Extends Gaza Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Temporary truce aims to cover Ramadan and Passover, facilitating hostages discussions.
The Israeli government has officially approved a temporary extension of the Gaza ceasefire for an additional six weeks, aligning this period with the Muslim Ramadan and Jewish Passover. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced this decision shortly after the expiration of the initial ceasefire phase, which lasted since January 19.
This extension stems from a proposal by US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, which includes the release of half the hostages held by Hamas on the first day of the ceasefire. The fate of the remaining hostages hinges on future agreements for a permanent ceasefire. However, Hamas has yet to publicly respond to this extension or the proposal itself.
Netanyahu's office stated that they support the ceasefire extension following a four-hour meeting, while asserting that Hamas has thus far refused to accept the Witkoff plan. If Hamas alters its stance, Israel indicates it would immediately engage in negotiations.
Hamas has voiced its reluctance to extend the ceasefire without assurances from mediators in the US, Qatar, and Egypt regarding the continuation of discussions for phase two. Analysts suggest that Hamas is striving to maintain its influence in Gaza, although it may consider delegating day-to-day governance to other groups, like the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, significant violence was halted, resulting in the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Despite this, discussions for phase two—aiming to secure the release of all living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces—have made limited progress. Current reports indicate there are still 24 hostages alive, with 39 presumed dead after the deadly escalation of conflict initiated by Hamas's attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, which led to the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and triggered a significant Israeli military response in Gaza, causing tragic casualties on both sides.
In the aftermath, the situation in Gaza remains dire, as Palestinians grapple with the aftermath of violence amidst a fragile peace framework.
This extension stems from a proposal by US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, which includes the release of half the hostages held by Hamas on the first day of the ceasefire. The fate of the remaining hostages hinges on future agreements for a permanent ceasefire. However, Hamas has yet to publicly respond to this extension or the proposal itself.
Netanyahu's office stated that they support the ceasefire extension following a four-hour meeting, while asserting that Hamas has thus far refused to accept the Witkoff plan. If Hamas alters its stance, Israel indicates it would immediately engage in negotiations.
Hamas has voiced its reluctance to extend the ceasefire without assurances from mediators in the US, Qatar, and Egypt regarding the continuation of discussions for phase two. Analysts suggest that Hamas is striving to maintain its influence in Gaza, although it may consider delegating day-to-day governance to other groups, like the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, significant violence was halted, resulting in the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Despite this, discussions for phase two—aiming to secure the release of all living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces—have made limited progress. Current reports indicate there are still 24 hostages alive, with 39 presumed dead after the deadly escalation of conflict initiated by Hamas's attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, which led to the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and triggered a significant Israeli military response in Gaza, causing tragic casualties on both sides.
In the aftermath, the situation in Gaza remains dire, as Palestinians grapple with the aftermath of violence amidst a fragile peace framework.
