The Israeli government has announced a significant decision to extend the Gaza ceasefire temporarily for an additional six weeks. This extension coincides with the observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office shortly after the initial phase of the ceasefire came to an end at midnight on Saturday.
According to reports, the ceasefire extension follows a proposal put forth by US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff. This plan entails the release of half of the hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza, encompassing both living and deceased individuals, on the first day of the extension. The remaining hostages are expected to be freed contingent upon reaching a comprehensive agreement for a permanent ceasefire.
As of now, Hamas has not publicly responded to the Israeli government's latest announcement regarding the ceasefire. The extension received backing from the Israeli government following a four-hour meeting convened by Netanyahu. The Prime Minister's office indicated that Hamas has thus far declined to support the Witkoff plan. However, Israel expressed readiness to initiate negotiations should the militant group alter its stance.
The proposal from the US envoy suggests that Israel may resume military operations after a period of 42 days if it determines that negotiations for a second phase have collapsed. On the evening prior to the announcement, Hamas stated its unwillingness to agree to any extension of the first phase without assurances from American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators regarding the implementation of a second phase.
According to reports from the BBC's Paul Adams in Jerusalem, Hamas appears determined to maintain its influence in Gaza. Nevertheless, the group may be open to transferring day-to-day governance responsibilities to other Palestinian entities, including the Palestinian Authority based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The initial phase of the ceasefire, which commenced on January 19, concluded on Saturday. This ceasefire effectively halted 15 months of intense fighting between Hamas and the Israeli military, leading to the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. However, discussions concerning the second phase—which includes the release of all remaining living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza—have made minimal progress.
Currently, it is estimated that there are 24 hostages alive, with an additional 39 presumed dead. The backdrop of this ceasefire extension is the unprecedented attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the capture of 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a comprehensive air and ground campaign in the Gaza Strip, leading to a staggering death toll of at least 48,365 people, according to figures reported by the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory.
