Media: Gaza ceasefire enters uncertain phase as Israel awaits Hamas response to US proposal

In a latest article, The Times of Israel features that the Gaza ceasefire entered an uncertain phase on March 2, as Israel awaited Hamas' response to a US proposal aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages and establishing a permanent ceasefire. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office revealed that, following a four-hour security meeting with top officials, Israel had endorsed a proposal from US President Donald Trump's special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

This plan calls for an extension of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, with the potential release of all hostages during this period. Ramadan began on February 28 and runs until March 29, while Passover concludes on April 19. According to Israel’s account of Witkoff’s proposal, half of the remaining hostages, both living and deceased, would be freed on the first day of the extended ceasefire, with the remaining captives released at the end of the period, contingent on a permanent ceasefire being reached.

Terrorist groups in Gaza are currently holding 59 hostages, including the bodies of at least 35 individuals confirmed dead by the Israel Defense Forces. Among the 24 presumed alive, two are non-Israeli citizens, along with three of the deceased. In addition, dozens of foreign nationals have been freed by Hamas outside the official framework, meaning that any future exchange could involve up to 22 living hostages and at least 32 bodies.

Netanyahu’s office explained that Witkoff proposed this extension as there was no viable solution to bridge the gaps between the sides on ending the war, requiring additional time for talks on a permanent ceasefire. The statement also noted that Hamas had rejected the US proposal thus far, suggesting that if Hamas does not change its stance, Israel could resume fighting, which had been paused since January 19, following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault. Hamas has publicly rejected Israel’s proposal to extend the first phase of the deal, insisting that the process move directly to phase two.

This phase includes the release of all remaining living hostages, a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and a permanent end to the conflict. Israel has largely refrained from discussing the specifics of phase two for the past month. In the first phase, 33 Israeli hostages were released, including eight deceased, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including many convicted terrorists.

Five Thai nationals held hostage in Gaza were also freed separately. In response to Israel’s announcement, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi reiterated the group’s insistence on completing phase two of the agreement, accusing Israel of "reneging on the agreements it signed." Mardawi stressed, "The only way to achieve stability in the region and the return of the prisoners is to complete the implementation of the agreement… starting with the implementation of the second phase."

A marathon meeting convened by Netanyahu, which included Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, senior defence officials, and Israel’s negotiation team, aimed at determining the next steps amid the ongoing deadlock in negotiations. With the first phase of the truce now over and no second phase negotiated, fighting could resume at any time. However, Israel has decided to wait before taking further action. 

Netanyahu’s office indicated that Hamas has not accepted Witkoff’s plan, adding, "If Hamas changes its position, Israel will immediately enter negotiations on all the details of the Witkoff plan." The statement did not directly threaten a return to conflict but reminded the public and Hamas that the initial agreement allows Israel to resume fighting after March 1 if negotiations prove ineffective. The prime minister's office also reiterated that Hamas had repeatedly violated the agreement, while Israel remained in full compliance.

By Naila Huseynova