Israel Approves Temporary Ceasefire Extension with Hamas

Israel has approved a six-week ceasefire extension with Hamas, aimed at coinciding with upcoming religious holidays. The plan includes the release of captives but faces pushback from Hamas, which rejects the current terms. Protests are ongoing in Israel, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive agreement regarding Gaza’s future and the remaining hostages.

On March 2, 2025, Israel granted approval for a six-week extension of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, coinciding with both the holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Pesach. This decision follows the expiration of the initial ceasefire phase, which had halted a prolonged war that resulted in significant devastation and a high death toll in Gaza.

The extension was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The proposal, put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, includes plans for the release of half of the hostages held by Hamas on the first day of the ceasefire, with the remaining captives to be freed contingent upon a permanent ceasefire agreement.

Hamas has not provided a formal response to the Israeli announcement at the time of reporting but previously expressed rejection of what it termed the “formulation proposed by the occupation” regarding the ceasefire extension. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem accused Israel of trying to evade its commitments to end the conflict while reserving the right to resume military actions.

Moreover, Hamas has called for the immediate implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, aiming to solidify a lasting cessation of hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, Israel remains hesitant to finalize any agreements concerning Gaza’s future. Netanyahu’s office indicated that discussions for the ceasefire extension would only commence if Hamas alters its current position.

The expiration of the initial ceasefire phase led to a halt in aid entering Gaza, according to Netanyahu’s office. Protests in Tel Aviv have erupted, urging the commencement of the second phase of the ceasefire to facilitate the safe return of family members captured during the conflict, which began after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Hamas has signaled its readiness to release all remaining captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The first phase of the ceasefire resulted in Hamas releasing 30 living captives, while Israel has freed around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, signifying ongoing complexities in the negotiations.

In summary, the Israeli government has approved a temporary ceasefire extension with Hamas, influenced by American proposals, amidst ongoing tensions and protests. While negotiations for a permanent solution continue, both sides remain at an impasse, particularly regarding the status of remaining captives and the terms for a lasting cessation of hostilities. The humanitarian impact of the conflict remains significant, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive peace efforts.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com