"Israel" approves US proposal for 42-day temporary truce in Gaza

The "Israeli" Prime Minister's Office has announced that, following consultations led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with security leaders, the "Israeli" government has decided to adopt a US proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The proposal, put forth by US envoy Stephen Witkoff, suggests implementing a temporary ceasefire during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday.

Key points of US proposal

Under the proposal, Hamas would release half of the "Israeli" captives, both living and deceased, on the first day of the ceasefire agreement.

The second phase would involve the release of the remaining captives if both parties agree to a permanent ceasefire.

The plan is considered an extension of the initial phase of a previous ceasefire deal rather than a transition to its second phase.

"Israeli" officials have expressed readiness to negotiate further should Hamas change its stance and accept the proposal.

Reactions, ongoing negotiations

Despite "Israel's" full endorsement of the proposal, Hamas has yet to accept it.

"Israeli" officials assert that they are prepared to engage in direct negotiations if Hamas alters its position. However, Hamas has reiterated its commitment to all terms of the previous ceasefire agreement, insisting that "Israel" must fulfill its obligations, including a full withdrawal from Gaza and a complete cessation of hostilities.

The initial ceasefire agreement, which began on Jan. 19, outlined a three-phase process, each lasting 42 days, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with US backing.

The first phase included negotiations for the second and third phases, but "Israeli" Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly sought to prolong the initial phase to secure the release of as many "Israeli" captives as possible without meeting additional conditions.

Challenges, unresolved issues

"Israeli" sources estimate that 62 "Israeli" captives remain in Gaza, though Palestinian factions have not disclosed the exact number. Hamas argues that "Israel's" failure to honor previous agreements complicates the path to any new ceasefire deal.

Stephen Witkoff's plan aims to extend the temporary truce, citing the need for additional time to negotiate a more lasting agreement. However, "Israel" retains the right to resume military operations after 42 days if negotiations do not yield significant progress.

While "Israel" claims that adopting the US proposal is part of its efforts to recover captives, Hamas remains skeptical, urging international mediators to pressure Israel into fully implementing the terms of prior agreements.

With no immediate response from Hamas, Egypt, Qatar, or US envoy Witkoff, the future of this ceasefire proposal remains uncertain as tensions persist in Gaza.