Israel accepts US-backed temporary ceasefire proposal, Hamas rejects formulation
What's the story
Israel has accepted a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, proposed by the United States.
The ceasefire will take place during Ramadan (Ramzan), the Muslim holy month, and Passover, a Jewish holiday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the acceptance on Sunday. This comes after the first phase of an earlier agreed ceasefire ended.
US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff put forward the proposal.
Hostage situation
Hostage release part of temporary ceasefire plan
As part of Witkoff's plan, Israel will free half of the hostages held in Gaza on the first day of the temporary truce. This includes both living and deceased hostages.
The rest of the hostages will be released once a permanent ceasefire is reached.
The proposal seeks to extend the existing ceasefire, giving more time for negotiations toward a lasting agreement.
Rejection statement
Hamas rejects extension of initial ceasefire phase
Hamas has rejected Israel's proposal to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem criticized Israel for not committing to a full withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the complete release of hostages.
Qassem said, "Israel is trying to reset the situation to zero by mixing the cards."
Netanyahu's office said immediate negotiations on Witkoff's proposal would begin if Hamas agreed to it.
Negotiation stance
Israel ready to resume fighting if negotiations fail
According to Netanyahu's office, Israel is ready to return to fighting after the 42nd day if it believes the negotiations are futile. The office accused Hamas of violating the deal.
The initial ceasefire, reached in January, ended 15 months of conflict and enabled the release of several hostages and prisoners on both sides.
Talks to extend this ceasefire have continued but have not yielded a final agreement.
Accusations exchanged
Accusations of violating the deal traded by both sides
Both sides have been accusing each other of violating the deal.
Two Palestinian officials familiar with negotiations said Israel refused to enter into or start negotiations about a second phase of the agreement.
Instead, Israel reportedly asked for an extension of the first phase conditioned on specific exchanges each week.
Hamas's armed wing released a video showing Israeli hostages still in its custody.