Cairo, Egypt – On Sunday, March 2, Israel announced it will implement a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, following a proposal from US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. The agreement coincides with the observance of Ramadan and Passover, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s office. This decision follows the expiration of the initial ceasefire phase.
Under Witkoff’s initiative, the ceasefire’s first day involves the release of half of the hostages held in Gaza, both those alive and deceased. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that once a permanent ceasefire is secured, all remaining hostages will be freed.
The suggestion to prolong the ceasefire arose from Witkoff recognizing the need for extended discussions on a lasting peace agreement, as outlined by Netanyahu’s representatives. However, details about when this plan was presented to Israel remain unspecified.
Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi expressed skepticism, suggesting Israel’s actions subvert previously established agreements. Despite this, ongoing discussions aim to resolve the extensive conflict, with the initial ceasefire enabling the exchange of numerous hostages and prisoners. Negotiations in Cairo have yet to yield concrete results for a second phase.
Although Egypt indicated that Israel favored a 42-day extension of the first phase, Hamas prioritized progressing to subsequent stages. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem on Saturday, February 28, rejected Israel’s extension terms. Netanyahu’s office maintains readiness for immediate talks based on Witkoff’s proposals, contingent on Hamas’s agreement.
The technical expiration of the ceasefire renews the potential for conflict. According to Netanyahu’s office, Israel reserves the right to resume military actions if negotiation progress stalls past the outlined duration.
Despite the complexities, and mutual allegations of breaches, the current situation underscores the urgency of moving toward more stable agreements. Hamas remains firm on proceeding as initially agreed, emphasizing that hostages will only be released per the ceasefire agreement’s specifics.