Israel Supported the U.S. Plan to Extend the Ceasefire, Hamas Did Not

After the initial 42-day ceasefire in Gaza, Israel supported the U.S. plan to extend the ceasefire with Hamas until the end of Ramadan and Passover; a period during which all hostages can be released, but Hamas has not yet accepted this plan. According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, the proposal, presented by U.S. Special Representative Steve Vitkoff, includes the release of half of the hostages—alive or deceased—on the first day after the ceasefire extension. The remaining hostages will be freed at the end of this period, provided a permanent ceasefire is achieved. Israel has stated that Hamas has not yet accepted this plan. In a statement, Benjamin Netanyahu said, 'If Hamas changes its position, Israel will immediately enter negotiations regarding the details of the Vitkoff plan.' The statement did not directly threaten to resume war but emphasized that under the initial agreement, Israel has the right to resume military operations starting March 1 if negotiations fail. This four-hour meeting was chaired by Netanyahu and included Defense Minister Israel Katz, senior security officials, and the Israeli negotiating team. In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 living Israeli hostages and handed over the remains of eight others. In return, Israel released approximately 1,700 Palestinian security prisoners. During the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas, a group supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1,200 mainly civilian Israelis were killed, and over 250 others, including the elderly, women, and children, were taken hostage to Gaza. Following this terrorist attack, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas and freeing all kidnapped hostages. According to Israeli estimates, more than 50 hostages are still held captive by the Hamas terrorist group, most of whom are believed to have lost their lives. Intensive negotiations are underway regarding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The UN has requested the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas has opposed the extension of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Israel targeted another arms smuggler for Hezbollah in Lebanon. Investigations are ongoing regarding the October 15, 2023 attacks; the Israeli army underestimated Hamas. Steve Vitkoff stated that Lebanon and Syria could also join the 'Abraham Accords.' Silence from Israel and the U.S. regarding Lebanon's decision to suspend flights from Iran. Reports indicate an agreement on the release of four Israeli hostages from the hands of Hamas terrorists. From the hell of captivity to the Security Council; Arghamani called for the release of hostages.