Israel on early Sunday backed a US-proposed plan to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire through Ramzan and Jewish festival Passover, offering a temporary truce in exchange for the release of hostages.However, Hamas has so far rejected the proposal, insisting on moving directly to the second phase of the truce, which is aimed at ending the war and securing the return of all captives.This extension of truce followed the expiration of the first phase on Saturday, March 1, which was originally finalised on January 19.What is Israel proposing?Israel has agreed to a framework put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which would extend the ceasefire through April 20. Under the plan: On the first day, half of the remaining hostages—both living and deceased—would be released. At the end of the truce, if an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire, the remaining hostages would also be freed.A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision, stating: “Israel adopts the framework of US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary ceasefire during the Ramadan and Passover period. On the first day of the framework, half of the living and deceased hostages will be released and upon its conclusion – if agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire – the remaining living and deceased hostages will be released.”The statement pointed out that Israel remains committed to the hostage deal but maintains the option to resume fighting if the negotiations fail. “While Hamas has repeatedly violated the agreement, Israel has not been found in violation. According to the agreement, Israel could return to fighting after the 42nd day if it gains the impression that the negotiations have been ineffective.” Why is Hamas rejecting the proposal?Hamas has dismissed Israel’s plan, arguing that it contradicts the agreed ceasefire framework. The group insists on proceeding to the second phase of the ceasefire, which would involve negotiations on a permanent end to the war, rather than an extension of the first phase.The latest negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire with Israel have made “no progress,” a senior Hamas official said.A Hamas official, speaking anonymously, stated that the proposal was an attempt to delay the inevitable negotiations on a long-term truce. The group has reaffirmed its commitment to the original ceasefire agreement, stating:Hamas has reaffirmed its full commitment to implementing all terms of the agreement in all its stages and details and calls on the international community to pressure Israel to immediately proceed to the second phase.Hamas officialWhat happens next?The two sides are now at an impasse. Israel said it will enter negotiations on the ceasefire extension “if Hamas changes its position.” Meanwhile, Hamas and mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, insist that the existing ceasefire framework must be followed without modifications. With Israeli negotiators having returned home and Hamas absent from recent talks, the immediate future of the truce remains uncertain. The outcome will likely depend on whether international pressure, particularly from the US and Arab mediators, can bridge the gap between the two sides. In the meantime, the war continues to take a heavy toll. More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials, while Israel estimates that 32 of the remaining 59 hostages are dead. As negotiations stall, families of hostages in Israel are voicing aloud their calls for a deal, urging their government to continue the ceasefire agreement.
Israel accepts Witkoff’s proposal for temporary ceasefire during Ramzan, Passover period: What it means
