Israel Accepts US Proposal for Temporary Ceasefire in Gaza
Date: March 1, 2025
Israel has agreed to US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, which will cover the holy periods of Ramadan and Passover. This decision came shortly before the expiration of the first phase of a previously agreed ceasefire.
Key Points:
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Ceasefire Extension:
- Israel has accepted the proposal for a temporary ceasefire, which will last through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover.
- Witkoff’s proposal was made after he determined that more time was needed to finalize talks on a permanent ceasefire.
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Hostage Release:
- Under the terms of the proposal, half of the hostages held in Gaza (both alive and deceased) will be released on the first day of the ceasefire extension.
- The remaining hostages will be released once a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached.
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Israel’s Position:
- Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel would immediately begin negotiations on Witkoff’s proposal, provided Hamas agrees to the terms.
- The agreement stipulates that Israel can return to fighting after 42 days if the negotiations are deemed ineffective. Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of violating the previous ceasefire agreement.
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Ongoing Negotiations:
- Both sides have been accusing each other of violations of the initial ceasefire agreement, complicating the talks for a long-term resolution.
Israel’s acceptance of the temporary ceasefire proposal for Ramadan and Passover represents a step toward extended negotiations. However, the contentious issue of hostages and accusations of violations from both sides continue to hinder progress toward a permanent ceasefire.
