Israel Grants Temporary Extension of Gaza Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions
Israel has approved a six-week extension of the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, coinciding with significant religious festivities. The plan involves the release of Israeli captives in phases, depending on future agreements. While Hamas has expressed rejection of the terms, protests in Israel underscore the need for urgent progress. The ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian crises and calls for a permanent resolution are mounting.
On March 2, 2025, Israel officially approved a temporary six-week extension of the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, coincidentally aligning with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Pesach. This decision was communicated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office immediately following the expiration of the initial ceasefire phase that had successfully halted 15 months of conflict, which resulted in considerable devastation and loss of life in the enclave.
The extension plan is based on a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. It includes provisions for the release of half of the Israeli captives held by Hamas at the initiation of the ceasefire, while the release of the remaining captives will depend on the establishment of a permanent ceasefire agreement, according to statements from Netanyahu’s office.
Hamas has yet to respond publicly to Israel’s most recent announcement but had previously expressed opposition to the proposed ceasefire extension. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem criticized Israel’s strategy, asserting that such an extension allows the country to avoid fulfilling its obligations to end hostilities while leaving the door open for renewed violence.
Furthermore, Hamas is advocating for immediate actions toward implementing a second phase of the ceasefire, which would require the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and aim to finalize agreements regarding all remaining captives in Gaza. In contrast, Israel has stalled any definitive agreements concerning Gaza’s future.
Notably, Netanyahu’s office indicated that any negotiations regarding the ceasefire extension will only commence if there is a shift in Hamas’s position. Additionally, they announced that all humanitarian aid entering Gaza would halt immediately following the conclusion of the first phase of the ceasefire.
In a significant related development, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv demanding an immediate resumption of the second phase of the agreement, emphasizing the safe return of individuals captured by Hamas during the October 7 attack that initiated the war. Hamas is reportedly willing to release all remaining captives in exchange for a permanent cessation of hostilities and complete Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
Under the first phase of the agreement, Hamas already released 30 living captives and the bodies of eight individuals it asserts were killed during the conflict. Approximately half of the captives still held by Hamas are believed to be alive, while Israel reciprocated by releasing about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were detained during the war.
This conflict, one of the bloodiest in recent history, has seen Israeli forces inflict over 48,300 Palestinian casualties and over 111,800 injuries, leaving the Gaza enclave devastated. The escalation began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to the capture of 251 Israelis and foreign nationals. According to reports, there have been 147 returns of captives to Israel through various exchanges, while around 27 of the approximately 59 remaining captives held by Hamas are presumed to be alive.
The recent approval by Israel for a temporary extension of the Gaza ceasefire marks a critical moment that aligns with major religious observances for both Muslims and Jews. While the proposed plan seeks to facilitate the release of captives, Hamas’s rejection of the terms highlights ongoing tensions. Demonstrations demanding further action signal the urgency within Israel for resolution, amid the extensive humanitarian toll inflicted by the prolonged conflict. A potential path toward a permanent ceasefire remains contingent upon significant negotiations and mutual agreement between the involved parties.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
