Israel Endorses U.S. Proposal to Extend Ceasefire in Gaza for Ramadan and Passover – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
11:48 AM – Sunday, March 2, 2025
Israel has given the green light to a U.S. proposal designed to prolong the ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover celebration.
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In a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, it was announced that Israel has agreed to terms set forth by U.S. Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
“Israel adopts the plan by the U.S. president’s envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary truce for the periods of Ramadan,” which concludes in late March, “and Pesach,” the eight-day Jewish Passover occurring in mid-April, as stated in the release.
The initial phase of the ceasefire began on January 19th and has now lapsed. A second phase was intended to ensure the release of numerous hostages remaining in Gaza, with the situation described as markedly “fragile.”
Netanyahu’s office noted that Witkoff suggested this interim extension as a means of bridging the diplomatic stalemate encountered by both Israel and Hamas in negotiations for a comprehensive ceasefire.
A passage from the prime minister’s office, originally in Hebrew, articulated:
“Following a security discussion led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, alongside the Minister of Defense, senior defense officials, and the negotiation team, it was resolved: Israel will accept the outline proposed by the U.S. President’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover.”
“On the initial day of the outline, half of the hostages, both living and deceased, will be released. Should an agreement for a permanent ceasefire be achieved, the remaining hostages, both living and deceased, will be freed.”
“Witkoff proposed extending the ceasefire due to the realization that at this juncture, bridging the positions of the involved parties to end the conflict was unfeasible, necessitating additional time for discussions regarding a lasting ceasefire.”
“While Hamas has consistently breached the terms of the agreement, Israel has adhered to the terms. The agreement stipulates that Israel may resume hostilities after the 42nd day if it determines that negotiations are not productive. This provision received validation through a side letter from the previous U.S. administration and has garnered support from the Trump administration.”
“Despite Israel’s agreement to the Witkoff outline for the purpose of securing the return of our captives, Hamas has, thus far, maintained its refusal to accept this framework.”
“Should Hamas alter its stance, Israel will promptly engage in negotiations concerning the specifics of the Witkoff plan.”
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem remarked that the group rejected Israel’s “formulation” of extending the initial ceasefire phase in Gaza, without explicitly addressing Witkoff’s proposal.
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