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The first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was set to expire over the weekend. However, Israel has endorsed a puo[psal put forward by the US which would cover Ramadan and Passover, according to a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office.
Le Monde reports that the first phase was set to expire over the weekend without any certainty as to the second phase, which is bringing a more permanent end to the Gaza war. negotiations have so far been inconclusive. The fate of hostages still being held in Gaza and the lives of more than two million Palestinians are hanging in the balance.
Hamas told AFP Sunday it insists on the implementation of a second ceasefire phase after Israel endorsed a temporary extension of the initial phase.
Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi said: “The only way to achieve stability in the region and the return of the prisoners is to complete the implementation of the agreement…starting with the implementation of the second phase.”
According to the Israeli statement, the extension would see half of the hostages still in Gaza released on the day the deal comes into effect, with the rest to be released at the end if agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire. There was no immediate response from Hamas, which earlier rejected the idea of an extension.
A senior Hamas official told AFP the group was prepared to release all remaining hostages in a single swap during the second phase.
News reaching us says Hamas has rejected Israel’s proposal.
The militant group has said talks must begin on the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said: “Extending the first phase of the deal in the format that Israel wants is unacceptable to the organization.”
