Israel has approved a six-week extension of the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, coinciding with Ramadan and Pesach. The plan includes the release of captives but has been met with skepticism from Hamas, which seeks a permanent ceasefire. As hostilities continue, thousands in Tel Aviv demand the safe return of captured family members, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists.
CAIRO – March 2, 2025: The Israeli government has sanctioned a six-week extension of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza. This decision spans the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Pesach, as announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The extension follows the expiration of the initial ceasefire phase that successfully halted a 15-month conflict that devastated the region and resulted in extensive casualties.
The ceasefire plan, developed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, stipulates the release of half of the captives held by Hamas upon the ceasefire’s commencement. The liberation of the remaining captives is contingent upon achieving a permanent ceasefire agreement. Hamas has yet to respond to this arrangement but previously rejected the proposed terms for extending the ceasefire.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem criticized Israel’s approach, claiming that the proposed extension allows Israel to evade its responsibilities to end the conflict while retaining the ability to resume military action. Additionally, Hamas is seeking an immediate transition to a second phase aimed at establishing a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, alongside the release of remaining captives.
Israeli officials described the current negotiations as contingent on any changes in Hamas’s position. Notably, following the expiration of the initial ceasefire phase, Israel announced that aid to Gaza would cease. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv have voiced their demands for the second phase of the agreement to secure the return of family members taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
In prior stages of the agreement, Hamas released 30 living captives, while also returning eight bodies of individuals who died due to Israeli airstrikes. Presently, there are still dozens of captives held by Hamas, and approximately half of them are believed to be alive. For its part, Israel had previously released around 2,000 Palestinian detainees as part of the exchange arrangement.
In conclusion, Israel has consented to a six-week extension of the ceasefire with Hamas, coinciding with significant religious observances. While this plan includes the release of captives, Hamas remains skeptical and demands a comprehensive cessation of conflict. The situation continues to evolve as both parties navigate complex negotiations regarding future agreements and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
