Hostage release: Israel has accepted the proposal of US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witchoff, which has spoken about a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and Passover. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed this on the morning of Sunday (2 March). This decision has been taken after the end of the first phase of the pre -decided ceasefire.
Under the proposal of Steve Witchoff, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that half the people held hostage in Gaza on the first day of the temporary ceasefire would be released which would include both living and dead. The remaining hostages will be released after a permanent ceasefire agreement. The Israeli government made it clear that this decision has been taken with the aim of pursuing the dialogue.
Hamas rejected the proposal
On Saturday (March 1), Hamas spokesperson Hajam Qasim rejected the Israeli proposal to expand the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, although he did not make any direct statement on Steve Witchoff’s plan. He said that Israeli is not committing a complete return to Gaza in lieu of full release of hostages.
Israel ready to negotiate ceasefire
The office of Prime Minister Netanyahu said that if Hamas agrees, Israel will immediately start a ceasefire conversation. He also said that if the talks are not effective within 42 days, then Israel can start a military campaign again. The two sides have accused each other of violating the agreement already made.
The ceasefire agreement in January had ensured the release of 33 Israeli and 5 Thai hostages, stopping the 15 -month struggle, in return for which about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners were released. However, despite the recent talks in Cairo, no permanent agreement has been reached so far.
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