Ankara: Israel said Sunday that it agreed to a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during Ramadan and Passover, following a proposal from US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, hours after the first phase of a ceasefire was set to expire.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that half of the hostages in Gaza, dead and alive, will be released, with the remaining captives to be freed once a permanent ceasefire is reached. Witkoff proposed extending the ceasefire, citing the need for additional time for negotiations on a permanent truce.
The statement from Netanyahu’s office mentioned that the plan permits Israel to resume military actions after 42 days if talks do not progress. It also claimed that Israel has agreed to a prisoner release, whereas Hamas has yet to accept the proposal.
The statement further emphasized that if Hamas accepts Witkoff’s plan, Israel would immediately begin negotiations for the second phase of the agreement. Hamas, along with Egyptian and Qatari mediators and Witkoff, has not yet commented on Israel’s announcement.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem reiterated to Anadolu Agency their ‘commitment to implementing all phases of the agreement.’ A ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement has been in place since January, temporarily halting the conflict that has resulted in over 48,360 casualties, predominantly women and children, and leaving Gaza devastated.