Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Mar 2: Israel has agreed to a temporary ceasefire proposal put forth by US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, to pause hostilities in Gaza during the Ramadan and Passover periods, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced early Sunday. This decision comes just as the first phase of the previously agreed ceasefire was set to expire.
As per the proposal, half of the hostages held in Gaza both alive and deceased would be released on the first day, with the remaining captives to be freed following the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, Netanyahu's office stated. The proposal aims to extend the ongoing ceasefire, allowing more time for negotiations on a lasting peace.
However, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem, on Saturday, rejected what he called Israel’s "formulation" of the ceasefire extension but did not explicitly comment on Witkoff’s plan. Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Israel is ready for immediate negotiations on the proposal, provided Hamas agrees.
"According to the agreement, Israel can resume military operations after 42 days if it finds the negotiations ineffective," Netanyahu's office said, while also accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire deal. Both sides have exchanged accusations over breaches of the agreement.
Meanwhile, two Palestinian officials involved in the negotiations told Reuters that Israel declined to proceed to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement or initiate discussions on it.
Instead, Israel reportedly sought an extension of the first phase in exchange for the weekly release of a certain number of live prisoners and bodies. Hamas rejected this proposal, insisting on moving to the second phase and adhering to the original terms.
On Saturday, Hamas's armed wing released a video showing Israeli hostages still in captivity, reiterating that their release would only occur through a swap deal as per the phased ceasefire agreement that commenced on January 19.
The truce, which halted 15 months of conflict, facilitated the release of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. It was initially intended to lead to further discussions for a broader ceasefire.
While negotiations have continued, most recently in Cairo, no breakthrough has been reached so far.