Israel has granted a six-week extension to the Gaza ceasefire with Hamas, following the initial phase that ceased hostilities for over 15 months. This plan includes the release of captives, with further terms pending a permanent ceasefire. Hamas remains critical of the proposal, calling for immediate resolution to the conflict. Protests in Tel Aviv highlight the urgency for family members captured during the conflict’s escalation.
Israel has approved a temporary six-week extension of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, coinciding with Ramadan and the Jewish Pesach holiday. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, follows the expiration of the initial ceasefire, which halted over 15 months of conflict that resulted in significant casualties in Gaza.
The ceasefire plan stems from a proposal by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, which includes the release of half of the captives held by Hamas on the first day of the ceasefire. The release of the remaining captives will depend on establishing a permanent ceasefire agreement.
Hamas has not yet responded; however, spokesperson Hazem Qassem criticized the proposal, arguing it allows Israel to avoid its obligations to end the conflict. Hamas insists on moving directly to a second phase of the agreement that aims for a lasting peace and the release of all captives.
Israel has postponed any final negotiations concerning Gaza’s future, but Netanyahu’s team indicated talks on the ceasefire extension will commence if Hamas alters its position. Furthermore, Netanyahu’s office announced the cessation of aid to Gaza immediately after the first phase of the agreement ended.
Protests occurred in Tel Aviv, where citizens demanded the implementation of the second phase of the agreement to secure the return of loved ones captured by Hamas. Hamas claims it is ready to release all remaining captives in exchange for a comprehensive end to the hostilities and full Israeli withdrawal.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas returned 30 living captives and eight deceased individuals to Israel. In return, Israel freed about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those detained since the onset of the war as well as some serving life sentences. The conflict has resulted in over 48,300 Palestinian fatalities and significant injuries, marking it as one of the century’s deadliest wars.
Israel’s temporary ceasefire extension reflects ongoing tensions and complexities in the conflict with Hamas. The proposed terms have faced opposition from Hamas, which demands a full ceasefire and troop withdrawal. As protests grow in Israel advocating for the return of captured individuals, further negotiations remain contingent on changes in Hamas’s stance. The conflict’s humanitarian toll remains staggering, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive peace agreement.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
