Israel Accepts US Proposal for Temporary Ceasefire with Hamas
Israel has accepted a US proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza during the Ramadan and Passover holidays, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office early Sunday.
The ceasefire coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on Friday and lasts until March 30, and the Jewish Passover week, observed from April 12 to 20.
The proposal, presented by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, outlines the return of approximately half of the 59 living and deceased Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza on the first day of the extended ceasefire. The remaining hostages would be released upon reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement at the end of the outlined period.
Witkoff proposed the ceasefire extension after recognizing the current impossibility of bridging the parties' positions to end the war. He believes more time is needed for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.
While Israel has agreed to the Witkoff outline for hostage return, Hamas has so far refused to accept it. The statement emphasizes that Israel has not violated the agreement, despite repeated violations by Hamas. Should Hamas change its position, Israel will immediately engage in negotiations on all details of the Witkoff outline.
The statement also warns of a potential return to fighting if Israel deems the negotiations ineffective. This follows the expiration of the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire-hostages agreement on Saturday.
7 Comments
Marishka
I'm praying that Hamas agrees to the ceasefire. Their continued aggression will only cause more suffering for everyone. Let's give peace a chance!
Pupsik
We can't let past grievances prevent us from seeking peace. The future is more important than the past. We owe it to ourselves to try.
Marishka
Thank you, US, for helping to broker this agreement! We need more international cooperation to end the violence.
Pupsik
I'm not naive. I know there's a long road ahead, but we have to start somewhere. This ceasefire is a first step towards ending this conflict.
Marishka
Instead of celebrating holidays, we're worrying about ceasefires. This is not the future we imagined for our children! We deserve better!
Raphael
This is a dangerous precedent. Today, it's hostages. Tomorrow, what will we concede to secure peace? We must stand firm!
Bella Ciao
We need to remember that everyone involved is suffering – Israelis and Palestinians alike. This ceasefire can help alleviate that suffering for both sides.