The Israeli government has agreed to extend the ceasefire in Gaza for six more weeks, covering the Muslim Ramadan and Jewish Passover periods. This decision came after the initial ceasefire expired at midnight on Saturday. The extension was proposed by US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. The plan includes the release of half of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, both alive and deceased, on the first day, with the rest to be freed if a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached.
Hamas has not yet responded publicly to this latest development. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Hamas has not supported the Witkoff plan so far. However, Israel is ready to begin negotiations immediately if Hamas changes its stance. The US envoy’s proposal allows Israel to resume fighting after 42 days if negotiations for the second phase fail.
During a four-hour meeting convened by Netanyahu, the Israeli government backed the ceasefire extension. Hamas insisted on guarantees from American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators for the second phase to proceed before agreeing to extend the first phase. Hamas, while showing willingness to hand over day-to-day governance to other Palestinian entities, remains determined to maintain a presence in Gaza.
The initial ceasefire, which began on January 19, ended on Saturday after 15 months of conflict between Hamas and the Israeli military. This ceasefire facilitated the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. However, negotiations for the second phase, which include the release of all remaining living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, have yet to make significant progress.
There are currently 24 hostages alive, with 39 others presumed dead. In October 2023, Hamas conducted a major attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages. Israel responded with an extensive air and ground campaign in the Gaza Strip, resulting in significant casualties, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the region. Palestinians in Gaza are now striving to rebuild their lives in the fragile peace that currently exists.