Israel stalling in an effort to avoid phase two and an end to the war
Israel for the last several weeks has not wanted to really discuss phase two of the ceasefire, because that would mean a commitment to the end of the war.
So rather, they are agreeing to this extension of phase one, in which Israel would get half of the Israeli captives who are still being held in Gaza. Israeli military intelligence says that of the 59 captives, more than half have been confirmed deceased.
However, it’s worth mentioning that Israel has largely stalled from negotiating for phase two. In this proposed truce extension, which is supposed to last 50 days and stop after Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover, it’s unclear what’s going to happen.
There’s been an impasse for so long on negotiations for phase two, as the Israelis just didn’t come to the negotiating table, because committing to an end of the war is just not something they’re willing to do.
Israel will avoid resumption of fighting in Gaza for at least a week: Report
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority has reported that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not decide on whether to resume the war on Gaza until after a visit by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff had planned to travel to Israel last week, but the trip was delayed, and it is unclear when he will visit.
Hamas still pushing for ceasefire implementation, says spokesperson
“Contacts are ongoing with mediators to ensure the implementation of the remaining stages of the ceasefire agreement,” said the spokesperson, Hazem Qassem.
“We hope that the mediators’ ongoing efforts will result in a breakthrough in the situation and oblige the occupation to implement all stages of the ceasefire,” Qassem added.
Hamas official rejects extension of phase one of ceasefire
A senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi, reiterated the Palestinian group’s line to Al Jazeera Arabic, saying that it would not agree to any extension of phase one and instead demand the beginning of phase two, as stipulated by the initial ceasefire deal agreed upon between Israel and Hamas.
Mardawi said that Hamas would only release the remaining Israeli captives under the terms of the current deal.
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