Israel’s government announced early Sunday its support for extending the ceasefire in Gaza through Ramadan and Passover, aligning with a U.S. proposal. The extension, running until April 20, would see half the remaining hostages—both alive and dead—released on the first day, with the rest freed if a permanent truce is agreed upon.
Hamas, however, has rejected Israel’s plan, insisting on negotiations for the ceasefire’s second phase. Talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. remain stalled, with Hamas refusing to engage in Israel’s four-week extension proposal. Israel warns it could resume fighting if negotiations prove ineffective.
The initial ceasefire, which paused 15 months of war, saw 33 hostages freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack that killed 1,200 in Israel, has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials.
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