Israel Agrees to U.S.-Proposed Gaza Ceasefire Extension Through Mid-April

The temporary truce, aligning with Ramadan and Passover, aims to enable further negotiations despite ongoing disagreements with Hamas.

The ceasefire extension, proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, seeks to cover the Ramadan and Passover periods, ending in mid-April.
Israel's approval follows the expiration of the first phase of a prior ceasefire agreement, with no consensus reached on the next phase.
Under the plan, half of the hostages held by Hamas, both living and deceased, would be released at the start of the extension, with the remainder contingent on a permanent ceasefire agreement.
Hamas has not yet responded to the proposal, maintaining its stance on implementing the second phase of the original ceasefire plan, which includes Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
The ongoing conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with international mediators emphasizing the urgency of avoiding renewed hostilities.