(CLO) Israel recently accepted the proposal of Steve Witkoff, special envoy of US President Donald Trump, for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and Passover.
The decision came just hours after the first phase of the previous ceasefire expired.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: X
Under the plan, Witkoff said half of the hostages held in Gaza - both alive and dead - would be released on the first day. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the remaining hostages would be released after a permanent ceasefire was reached.
Mr Witkoff proposed extending the current ceasefire after seeing the need for more time to negotiate a permanent ceasefire, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said on Saturday the group rejected Israel's interpretation of extending the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, but did not directly address Witkoff's plan.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israel is ready to immediately proceed with negotiations according to Mr. Witkoff's plan if Hamas agrees.
"According to the agreement, Israel can continue fighting after the 42nd day if it finds the negotiations are not productive," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said.
On Saturday, Hamas's armed wing released a video showing Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, stressing that the remaining hostages could only be released through a swap deal in line with the ceasefire that began on January 19.
The previous ceasefire, which ended 15 months of conflict, allowed for the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The deal is expected to lead to further talks aimed at cementing the ceasefire.
Talks on a further ceasefire are ongoing, most recently in Cairo, but no agreement has yet been reached.
Cao Phong (according to CNBC, NYP, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-agrees-to-temporarily-cease-sale-of-my-in-gaza-post336766.html
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