Egypt Proposes Hostage Exchange for Ceasefire Extension Amid Ongoing Hostilities
Egypt has proposed a two-week extension of the ceasefire in exchange for three living hostages and three deceased individuals from Hamas. However, Hamas has rejected the proposal. Israel halted humanitarian aid, asserting that the release of hostages is a prerequisite for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, airstrikes in Gaza resulted in several fatalities.
Egyptian mediators have proposed a deal in which Hamas would release three living hostages and three deceased individuals in exchange for a two-week extension of the ceasefire agreement. This proposal arises following the expiration of the 42-day hostage-ceasefire deal on March 1. Israel has indicated its willingness to support a ceasefire extension as suggested by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Under the terms of the proposed framework, the release would coincide with the observance of Ramadan and Passover. On the first day, half of the living hostages and the remains of the deceased would be released, with the rest to follow if a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached by the end of the period, as stated by the Prime Minister’s Office.
However, Hamas has currently rejected this proposal. Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdel Ati, emphasized the urgency of initiating rapid negotiations for the next phase of the hostage and ceasefire deal. He also mentioned plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, pending approval at the upcoming Arab emergency summit.
Additionally, it was noted that humanitarian aid should not be weaponized for collective punishment and starvation purposes. Meanwhile, Israel has stopped humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, asserting that a ceasefire cannot proceed without the release of hostages.
In a separate incident, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes in northern Gaza targeting individuals allegedly planting explosives near IDF troops. Reports indicate the strikes resulted in four fatalities, with Palestinian media sources failing to differentiate between combatants and civilians.
Egypt has proposed a two-week ceasefire extension contingent on the release of hostages, but Hamas has rejected the proposal. Meanwhile, Israel has halted humanitarian aid and conducted airstrikes in Gaza, emphasizing the complexity of the ongoing conflict. Continued negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire and reconstruction efforts for Gaza are crucial moving forward.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
