Israel has agreed to a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire extension in Gaza, which involves the release of captives. Hamas has not yet responded to the proposal. There are concerns regarding Israel’s intention to continue negotiations beyond phase one. This extended ceasefire will cover the month of Ramadan and part of Jewish Passover, with an initial release of half of the 59 captives held in Gaza.
Israel has tentatively agreed to a U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire in Gaza, which includes the release of captives. The plan suggests that half of the captives in Gaza would be freed, with the remainder released contingent upon a permanent truce. Currently, Israel appears to be stalling negotiations for phase two of the ceasefire, focusing instead on prolonging the existing agreement, which raises concerns about the potential for renewed conflict.
Hamas remains non-committal on the proposal from Israel and has reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire amidst their previous declaration of a willingness for a large-scale prisoner swap to end the conflict. The situation remains fluid, as they have not yet responded directly to Israeli statements or the latest developments initiated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has indicated that the ceasefire could extend through the month of Ramadan into early April, with an initial release of captives scheduled for the first day. Presently, there are 59 captives held in Gaza, with reports indicating that half are alive while the other half have been confirmed deceased. Israel insists they are prepared to resume fighting if necessary, but U.S. officials advocate for further negotiations to finalize a settlement that could conclude the war.
The situation regarding the ceasefire and the potential release of captives in Gaza remains tenuous. While Israel has agreed to the U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire and release half of the captives, Hamas’s response and commitment to future negotiations are still uncertain. The looming deadlines amidst ongoing hostilities create a challenging environment for peace discussions. Continued developments may clarify Hamas’s position, and diplomatic efforts will be crucial in navigating these complex negotiations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
