Egypt has proposed that Hamas release three live hostages and three dead hostages for a two-week ceasefire extension, following the expiration of a previous agreement. Israel has indicated its readiness to support this proposal, aligning it with significant religious observances. Disputes over humanitarian aid and military actions in Gaza continue amid these negotiations.
Egyptian mediators have proposed that Hamas release three live hostages along with three deceased individuals in return for a two-week extension of the current ceasefire. This proposal follows the expiration of a 42-day hostage-ceasefire agreement on March 1. Israel has expressed readiness to enact this ceasefire extension suggestion presented by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which would coincide with the observance of Ramadan and Passover.
According to the outlined terms, on the initiation of the ceasefire extension, half of the living hostages and the remains of the deceased would be released. Should an agreement be established for a permanent ceasefire, the remaining hostages would also be released, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. However, Hamas has thus far rejected the proposal.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati highlighted the urgency for discussions to commence regarding the second stage of the hostage and ceasefire agreement. He indicated the importance of starting negotiations promptly. Furthermore, he stated that Egypt is prepared to present plans for the reconstruction of Gaza at the upcoming Arab emergency summit set for Tuesday.
Minister Abdel Ati emphasized that humanitarian aid must not be weaponized as a means of collective punishment or starvation. In a related development, Israel announced a halt on humanitarian supplies entering the Gaza Strip, declaring that it would not agree to a ceasefire without the release of the hostages.
Additionally, on the same day, the Israel Air Force conducted strikes targeting several suspects in the northern Gaza Strip, who were allegedly involved in planting explosives near Israeli Defense Forces’ operations. Reports from Palestinian media indicated that four individuals lost their lives as a result of these strikes in Beit Hanun, without clear differentiation between combatants and civilians.
In summary, Egypt has proposed a two-week ceasefire extension involving the release of hostages by Hamas. Despite Israel’s readiness to implement this proposal during significant religious observances, Hamas has refused. Amidst ongoing tensions, humanitarian considerations and reconstruction plans for Gaza are also being discussed, with Israel asserting that a ceasefire is conditional upon hostage release.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
