Israel is ready to proceed to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, but only if Hamas releases more of the hostages it is still holding. The ceasefire agreement requires Hamas to release all its hostages, Israel to release Palestinian security prisoners, and a halt to fighting in the Strip. However, the initial 42-day stage has expired and Hamas and Israel are deadlocked over how to extend the truce. Israel announced that it would halt the entry of aid into Gaza after negotiations hit an impasse. The US special Mideast envoy is due to visit the region to discuss extending the ceasefire or moving ahead to phase two.
image sourced from original article at https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-hamas-must-commit-to-free-more-hostages-for-ceasefire-to-be-extended/Original article source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-hamas-must-commit-to-free-more-hostages-for-ceasefire-to-be-extended/
Source Id: 2025-03-650287147
