Israel Extends Gaza Ceasefire Following Expiration of Phase One | World News
The office of the Israeli prime minister has announced that Israel will implement a proposal from US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy to extend the ceasefire in Gaza.
The proposal from Steve Witkoff suggests extending the ceasefire to cover the durations of Ramadan and Passover.
Ramadan commenced yesterday and typically lasts between 29 and 30 days, while Passover, which is shorter, concludes this year on Sunday, April 20.
This announcement follows the imminent expiration of the first phase of the previously agreed ceasefire set for Saturday.
A statement released by the prime minister’s office, initially in Hebrew, stated: “Following a security discussion led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, which included the Minister of Defence, senior defence officials, and the negotiation team, it was decided:
“Israel agrees to adopt the framework proposed by the US President’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover.
“On the first day of this framework, half of the hostages—both those alive and those deceased—will be freed, and at the conclusion, should a permanent ceasefire agreement be reached, the remainder of the hostages will also be released.”
“Witkoff suggested this framework after determining that there was currently no possibility of reconciling the positions of the involved parties to conclude the conflict, indicating that additional time was necessary for discussions on a lasting ceasefire.
“Although Hamas has consistently breached the terms of the agreement, Israel remains compliant. Under the terms, Israel retains the right to resume conflict after 42 days should it deem that negotiations have stalled. This provision was backed by a side letter from the preceding US administration, with further endorsement from the Trump administration.”
“While Israel agreed to Witkoff’s framework with the goal of ensuring the return of our captives, Hamas has yet to accept this proposal.”
“If Hamas alters its stance, Israel is prepared to engage in immediate negotiations regarding all specifics of the Witkoff plan.”
Earlier on Saturday, Hamas announced its rejection of Israel’s terms for extending the initial phase of the ceasefire in Gaza but did not explicitly refer to Witkoff’s proposal.
Both parties have been accusing one another of contravening the agreement.
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