Israel Not Ready for Permanent Ceasefire Yet, But Netanyahu Agrees to Pause War for Ramadan- wna24

Jerusalem: The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has been completed and the latter is now looking to hold negotiations and talks for the second phase of the ceasefire. Amid the ongoing talks, Israel has clearly stated that they are not yet ready for a permanent ceasefire. However, Netanyahu has agreed to extend the first phase of the ceasefire and pause the war for Ramadan.

The official statement by the Israeli government provides new insights into what Israel referred to as a U.S. proposal: an extension of the ceasefire until Passover, or April 20. On the first day of the ceasefire, half of the hostages—both alive and deceased—would be released. The remainder would be freed if an agreement is reached on a lasting ceasefire.

Also Read: Gaza Ceasefire Deal: Hostage Exchange Complete, Hamas Calls For Talks with Israel on Next Phase

 According to the statement, this proposal was made after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff sensed that there was currently no possibility of reconciling the parties’ positions to conclude the conflict, and that additional time was necessary for discussions on a permanent ceasefire.

The Israeli government announced early Sunday that it backs a suggestion to prolong the initial phase of the ceasefire in Gaza throughout Ramadan and Passover. However, Hamas has insisted on discussing the second phase of the truce instead. This statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘s office was released shortly after the conclusion of the first phase, as discussions commenced regarding the second phase, which aims to conclude the conflict and secure the return of all remaining living hostages in Gaza.

Also Read: ‘Gates of Hell Will Be Opened If…’: Netanyahu Threatens Hamas on Hostage Release

Hamas did not provide an immediate response, having previously turned down an Israeli offer to prolong the initial phase of the ceasefire by an additional 42 days, effectively doubling its duration. A member of the group, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the negotiations, stated that such an extension contradicts the terms of the truce agreement.

Israeli officials, along with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been engaged in discussions regarding the initiation of the second phase of the ceasefire in Cairo. However, Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, informed The Associated Press that there has been “no progress” in the talks before the Israeli negotiators departed for home on Friday. Although Hamas did not participate directly, its stance has been conveyed through the mediators from Egypt and Qatar.

According to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, hostilities are expected to remain paused as discussions progress into the second phase. Israel’s latest statement indicates that it may resume combat “should it determine that the negotiations are unproductive,” highlighting Hamas’ rejection of the offer to extend the initial phase. However, the statement also mentions that “if Hamas modifies its stance, Israel will promptly engage in talks regarding all aspects of the Witkoff plan.”

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On October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated a significant attack on Israel, becoming one of the most fatal assaults in the nation’s history. The assault began at dawn, with thousands of rockets launched from Gaza aimed at Israeli cities and towns; Hamas infiltrated Israel’s borders using vehicles, paragliders, and on foot, attacking military installations and civilian areas, particularly in communities bordering the Gaza Strip. More than 200 individuals, comprising Israelis and foreign nationals, were taken captive and transported into Gaza. This led Israel to declare war on Hamas, resulting in extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza. On that day alone, at least 1,139 people lost their lives in Israel, while reports from Gaza health officials indicate that Israel’s military operations have resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths.

After months of efforts by different countries, who were acting as mediators, Israel and Hamas agreed to a three-phase ceasefire deal in January. The first phase of the ceasefire deal, which halted 15 months of war in Gaza, resulted in the release of 33 captives, including eight deceased individuals, in return for almost 2,000 Palestinian inmates. This led to the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of residents to northern Gaza, an increase in aid to the area, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to designated buffer zones.