Israel Accepts U.S. Ceasefire Proposal for Ramadan and Passover; Hamas Rejects Terms for Hostage Deal Extension
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The Israeli government has agreed to a U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover. However, Hamas rejected Israel’s terms for extending the first phase of the hostage-ceasefire deal, which would involve maintaining the ceasefire and releasing more hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees and terrorists.
A temporary ceasefire extension proposal from President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, includes the release of half of the hostages and the remains of deceased hostages still in Gaza. The remaining hostages would be released once a permanent ceasefire is established.
Witkoff stated, “There is no possibility of bridging the gaps between the parties’ positions to end the war and additional time is needed for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire,” as he sought to extend the ceasefire until Ramadan and Passover have concluded.
However, while the U.S. and Israel is seeking to extend the current first phase, Hamas considers this “a violation of the agreement.”
The second phase is intended to include the release of remaining hostages and steps toward a permanent end to the war, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Strip.
The first 42-day phase of the agreement officially expires on Saturday. Thirty-three Israeli hostages have been released, including eight deceased, along with five Thai nationals. Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have also been freed.
Despite Israel’s agreement to the U.S. proposal, an Israeli official told Ynet News that the country is “closer to resuming military action than to securing a cease-fire.” The official emphasized that no truce would proceed without further hostage being released.
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