Egypt has proposed a two-week ceasefire extension from Hamas in exchange for three living and three deceased hostages. This follows the expiration of a previous agreement, with Israel indicating readiness to agree. However, Hamas has declined the offer. Simultaneously, Israel has stopped humanitarian aid to Gaza, while also conducting airstrikes in the region.
Egyptian mediators have advanced a proposal for Hamas to release three living hostages alongside the remains of three deceased hostages in exchange for extending the ceasefire by two weeks. This proposal follows the expiration of a 42-day hostage ceasefire agreement on March 1. Israel remains open to implementing this extension, as suggested by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which would encompass both Ramadan and Passover.
Under the initial phase of the proposed framework, half of the living hostages and the remains of deceased hostages would be released at the outset. If a permanent ceasefire is negotiated, the remaining hostages would be returned at the conclusion of the two-week extension. Currently, Hamas has declined this proposal.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati has emphasized the urgency of commencing discussions regarding the second phase of the hostage ceasefire agreement. He indicated that Egypt has formulated plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, intending to present them during the Arab emergency summit scheduled to occur on Tuesday. Additionally, he contended that humanitarian aid should not be weaponized for collective punishment and starvation.
On the same day, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in northern Gaza targeting individuals suspected of planting explosives near IDF troops. Reports from Palestinian media confirmed that four individuals were killed in the airstrike near Beit Hanun, although it was unclear if the casualties included bystanders.
In summary, Egypt proposes a two-week extension of the ceasefire in exchange for hostages, yet Hamas has rejected this offer. The urgency of negotiations for a second phase has been stressed by Egypt amid plans for Gaza’s reconstruction. Meanwhile, Israel halted humanitarian aid to Gaza, indicating a strong stance on the release of hostages as a condition for continued ceasefire discussions.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
