Key Points
- Israel supports a US-backed proposal to extend the Gaza ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover (until April 20, 2025).
- The plan includes releasing half of the remaining hostages on the first day, with the rest contingent on a permanent ceasefire.
- Hamas rejects extending the first phase, demanding immediate talks on the second phase to end the war and secure full hostage releases.
- Negotiations in Cairo between mediators and Israeli officials have made no progress.
- The first phase of the ceasefire paused 15 months of fighting, releasing 33 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
New Delhi: In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced early Sunday that Israel has accepted a US-backed proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, lasting until April 20, 2025. The announcement came shortly after the expiration of the initial ceasefire phase, which began in January and paused 15 months of intense fighting.
The proposal, presented by US envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to provide more time for negotiations on a permanent truce while addressing humanitarian concerns. Under this plan, half of the remaining hostages in Gaza both alive and deceased would be released immediately, with the rest freed only after a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached.
Hamas Rejects Extension Proposal
Hamas has firmly rejected Israel’s request to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by 42 days, claiming it violates the original agreement. Instead, Hamas insists on moving directly to the second phase of negotiations, which would include discussions on ending hostilities and ensuring all hostages are returned safely.
Bassam Naim, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau, stated that no progress has been made in talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar in Cairo. “Israel is trying to reset the situation to zero by mixing the cards,” said Naim, accusing Israel of stalling negotiations.
Hamas has also criticized Israel for failing to commit to key terms of the agreement, including a full withdrawal from Gaza and broader concessions for peace.
Ceasefire’s First Phase: A Fragile Pause in Conflict
The initial phase of the ceasefire began in January 2025 and halted over a year of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. During this period:
- 33 hostages, including eight deceased individuals, were released by Hamas in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
- Aid deliveries into Gaza increased significantly, while hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians returned home to northern Gaza.
- Israeli forces withdrew from key areas but maintained buffer zones around Gaza’s borders.
Despite these gains, tensions remain high as both sides accuse each other of undermining peace efforts.
US Mediation: A Balancing Act
US envoy Steve Witkoff has emphasized that more time is needed to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas. His proposal reflects an effort to maintain momentum toward a permanent ceasefire while addressing immediate humanitarian concerns like hostage releases.
However, mediators face significant challenges:
- Hamas is unwilling to extend interim measures without concrete steps toward ending hostilities.
- Israel has stated it will resume military operations if it deems negotiations ineffective during this extension period.
What’s Next?
The road ahead remains uncertain as both sides dig in their heels:
- For Israel: Netanyahu’s government insists on phased negotiations tied to hostage releases but faces domestic pressure to secure all captives quickly.
- For Hamas: The group demands adherence to the original agreement and refuses any delays in advancing toward a comprehensive truce.
- For Mediators: Egypt, Qatar, and the US must navigate complex dynamics to prevent renewed fighting while pushing for meaningful progress.
A War-Torn Region Awaits Peace
The stakes are high as negotiators work against time to prevent a collapse of the fragile ceasefire. With over 48,000 Palestinians killed during Israeli offensives and 1,200 Israelis dead from Hamas attacks, both sides face mounting international pressure to prioritize peace.
As Ramadan begins and Passover approaches, hopes for lasting peace hang by a thread in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
