Egypt has proposed a two-week ceasefire extension involving the release of three living hostages and three deceased bodies by Hamas. The proposal coincides with the expiration of a previous ceasefire, with Israel expressing readiness to accept it. However, Hamas has declined the offer, complicating ongoing humanitarian efforts and military actions in the region.
Egyptian mediators have proposed a plan wherein Hamas would release three living hostages and the remains of three deceased individuals in exchange for a two-week extension of the ceasefire agreement. This proposal emerges following the expiration of a 42-day ceasefire on March 1, with Israel indicating its readiness to implement the extension suggested by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The proposed extension is intended to cover the observance of Ramadan and Passover. During the initial phase of the framework, half of the living hostages and the remains of the deceased would be released. If a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached, the remaining hostages, both living and deceased, would subsequently be released, as stated by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
However, Hamas has expressed its refusal to accept this proposal at this time. Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdel Ati, emphasized the urgency of initiating rapid negotiations for the second phase of the hostage and ceasefire deal. He noted that Egypt plans to present reconstruction strategies for Gaza at the Arab emergency summit scheduled for Tuesday.
Emphasizing humanitarian considerations, Minister Abdel Ati remarked that humanitarian aid must not be manipulated as a tool for collective punishment or starvation. Meanwhile, on the same day, Israel announced the cessation of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, asserting that a continuation of ceasefire conditions would be contingent upon the release of hostages.
In related developments, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes in northern Gaza targeting individuals identified as planting explosives in proximity to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops. Reports from Palestinian media indicated that four individuals were killed during these strikes in Beit Hanun, but the accounts did not clarify whether the deceased were militants or civilians.
In summary, Egypt has proposed a framework for a two-week ceasefire extension involving the exchange of hostages. Despite its intentions, Hamas has rejected the proposal. The situation remains critical, with ongoing military actions in Gaza and significant humanitarian implications. The urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis, alongside negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, is a pressing issue as regional discussions continue.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
