With the expiration of the 42-day ceasefire in Gaza, Israel has announced a temporary pause before deciding on its next move, while revealing details of a U.S.-proposed plan for hostage releases and a permanent ceasefire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office endorsed the proposal by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which would extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, allowing for the potential release of all hostages. Under the plan, half of the remaining captives—both living and deceased—would be freed immediately, with the rest released at the end of the period if a permanent ceasefire is agreed upon.
Hamas, holding 59 hostages—including at least 35 confirmed dead—has rejected the U.S. proposal, insisting on full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war before releasing all captives. Israel, however, has so far refused to discuss these terms.
The first phase of the ceasefire saw 33 Israeli hostages—eight of them dead—exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists. Five Thai hostages were also released separately.
Netanyahu’s office suggested that if Hamas does not reconsider its stance, Israel may resume military operations. Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi accused Israel of reneging on agreements and vowed not to back down from demands.
With no extension finalized and no new negotiations for a second phase, the situation remains highly volatile, and renewed conflict could begin at any moment.
