Gaza: Israel announced its agreement to a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the overlapping periods of Ramadan and Passover. This decision follows a proposal put forward by US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, which comes just hours after the initial phase of a ceasefire was set to expire.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement confirming the ceasefire arrangement. The statement indicated that half of the hostages in Gaza, whether deceased or alive, will be released. The release of the remaining captives hinges on the achievement of a permanent ceasefire. Witkoff suggested extending the ceasefire, citing the need for additional time to negotiate a lasting truce.
The statement from Netanyahu’s office has yet to see responses from Egyptian and Qatari mediators, Hamas, or Witkoff. Meanwhile, Hazem Qassem, spokesperson for the Palestinian resistance group, reiterated their commitment to fulfilling all phases of the existing agreement in a previous statement to Anadolu.
The existing ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, initiated in January, halted Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 48,360 casualties, predominantly affecting women and children, and leaving significant destruction in the region.
In other developments, Ukraine and the United Kingdom have formalized a loan agreement aimed at fostering weapons production within Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the deal, highlighting its significance for Ukraine’s defense strategy and its potential repayment through revenues from frozen Russian assets. The agreement was solidified during a meeting between Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who expressed strong support for Ukraine’s position against Russia.
Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expedited the provision of $4 billion in military assistance to Israel, reversing prior restrictions imposed by the Biden Administration. Rubio declared the use of emergency authorities to ensure the rapid delivery of military aid, emphasizing the Trump Administration’s strong alliance with Israel.