Israel Proposes Ceasefire Extension Amid Stalled Negotiations with Hamas

As the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire concludes, Israel has endorsed a proposal to extend the truce through the months of Ramadan (which began March 1st) and Pesach, aiming to secure the release of remaining hostages and establish a permanent cessation of hostilities. However, Hamas has rejected this extension, insisting on immediate discussions for a comprehensive ceasefire.

The first phase of the ceasefire, initiated on January 19, 2025, brought a temporary halt to the 15-month conflict that began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties and hostages. This initial truce facilitated the release of 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. It also allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals to return to northern Gaza and increased the flow of humanitarian aid into the territory.

With the first phase’s expiration, Israel has expressed support for a U.S.-mediated proposal to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, which would last until April 20. This extension aims to facilitate the release of approximately half of the remaining hostages on the first day, with the rest contingent upon reaching a permanent truce.

However, Hamas has rejected this proposal, viewing it as a tactic to avoid committing to a full cessation of the conflict. Hazem Qasem, a spokesperson for Hamas, stated that extending the first phase is unacceptable, as it appears to be a strategy to evade a comprehensive end to the war, focusing solely on hostage-prisoner exchanges.

Negotiations have been ongoing in Cairo, involving mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Despite these efforts, talks on advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire have stalled. Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, reported “no progress” before Israeli negotiators returned home, leaving the resumption of talks uncertain.

Several issues hinder the advancement of the ceasefire:

• Governance of Gaza: Israel insists that Hamas cannot govern Gaza post-conflict and rejects any role for the Palestinian Authority, dominated by Hamas’ rival, Fatah. Hamas has proposed handing over power to a national consensus government or an independent body of technocrats, as suggested by Egypt.
• Ceasefire Extension Terms: Hamas has dismissed Israel’s suggestion to extend the current ceasefire through Ramadan, arguing it contradicts the original truce agreement. The Israeli proposal includes extending the ceasefire in exchange for additional hostage releases, but Hamas maintains that a comprehensive ceasefire should be the focus.