Negotiations on hostage releases continue as both sides weigh future peace talks.
**Israel Extends Gaza Ceasefire Amid Hostage Negotiations**
**Israel Extends Gaza Ceasefire Amid Hostage Negotiations**
Israeli government announces six-week ceasefire, coinciding with religious observances.
In a significant diplomatic move, the Israeli government has sanctioned a six-week extension of the ceasefire in Gaza, coinciding with the forthcoming Muslim Ramadan and Jewish Passover. This announcement, made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office shortly after the initial ceasefire phase ended, is rooted in a proposal by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The plan stipulates that half of the hostages held by Hamas would be released on the first day of the new phase, with additional releases contingent upon achieving a more permanent ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli government reached this decision after an intense four-hour meeting, during which officials claimed that Hamas had yet to endorse the Witkoff plan. Netanyahu's office noted that they are prepared to engage in immediate negotiations should Hamas reconsider its stance. Conversely, Hamas stated it would not acquiesce to any extension of the ceasefire without guarantees from American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators regarding subsequent phases. This reflects Hamas's intention to maintain its influence in Gaza while potentially delegating daily governance to other Palestinian leaders, such as those from the Palestinian Authority.
The initial ceasefire, which commenced on January 19, brought a halt to 15 months of intense conflict and facilitated the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Ongoing discussions regarding the second phase of ceasefire negotiations have seen limited progress, particularly concerning the remaining hostages — 24 of whom are confirmed to be alive, while 39 are presumed dead. The backdrop of these developments is marked by the violent escalation that began with Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and leading to Israel's comprehensive military response in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed over 48,000 lives according to local health officials.
The Israeli government reached this decision after an intense four-hour meeting, during which officials claimed that Hamas had yet to endorse the Witkoff plan. Netanyahu's office noted that they are prepared to engage in immediate negotiations should Hamas reconsider its stance. Conversely, Hamas stated it would not acquiesce to any extension of the ceasefire without guarantees from American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators regarding subsequent phases. This reflects Hamas's intention to maintain its influence in Gaza while potentially delegating daily governance to other Palestinian leaders, such as those from the Palestinian Authority.
The initial ceasefire, which commenced on January 19, brought a halt to 15 months of intense conflict and facilitated the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Ongoing discussions regarding the second phase of ceasefire negotiations have seen limited progress, particularly concerning the remaining hostages — 24 of whom are confirmed to be alive, while 39 are presumed dead. The backdrop of these developments is marked by the violent escalation that began with Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and leading to Israel's comprehensive military response in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed over 48,000 lives according to local health officials.
