Israel Extends Gaza Ceasefire While Addressing Druze Settlement Security Amid Ongoing Pressures
Israel has approved a temporary Gaza ceasefire extension while preparing military defenses for a Druze settlement in Syria amidst escalating tensions.
Hamas seems determined to remain a force in Gaza, even if it might be willing to hand over day-to-day governance to other Palestinian actors, including the Palestinian Authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the BBC's Paul Adams reports from Jerusalem.
Israel approves temporary extension of Gaza ceasefire
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The first phase, which paused 15 months of fighting in Gaza, saw the release of 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel supports ceasefire proposal from U.S. envoy, Netanyahu says
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The Gaza ceasefire deal has reached the end of its first phase but negotiations have barely begun on the second phase of the deal as it’s set to begin.
First phase of Gaza ceasefire ends after Hamas rejects Israel’s extension request
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Among the challenges frustrating the future of the cease-fire deal are Israel’s requirement that Hamas cannot have any role in governing Gaza after the war, while Netanyahu also rejected any plan that puts the Palestinian Authority, which is controlled by the terror group’s rival, Fatah, in charge of the war-torn enclave.
Hamas says ‘no progress’ with Israel on second phase cease-fire negotiations
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The fragile ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on Jan. 19, halted months of fighting and allowed the exchange of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Gaza ceasefire in doubt as first phase expires with no further negotiations underway
NBC News·8d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Saturday’s statement indicates that Israeli forces could push farther into Syria as its new authorities try to consolidate control after more than a decade of civil war.
Israel's military is told to prepare to defend a Druze community outside Syria's capital
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Such a retreat could however trigger the collapse of his rightwing coalition which would in turn force new elections, in which Netanyahu’s political future would be uncertain.
Gaza ceasefire talks stall, as Egypt proposes long-term reconstruction plan
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Summary
Israel's defense ministry has ordered military preparations to secure a Druze settlement in Syria amid renewed threats from Syrian forces. Concurrently, the Israeli government has temporarily extended the Gaza ceasefire for six weeks, covering Ramadan and Passover, following Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision post discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Half of the hostages held by Hamas will be released at the onset of this extension, pending the acceptance of a longer agreement. Although Hamas has rejected this proposal, ongoing negotiations are crucial for both sides to ensure hostages' safety and establish future governance in Gaza.
Perspectives
Recent ceasefire talks in Cairo have stalled as Hamas rejected Israel's proposal for a temporary extension covering Ramadan and Passover, illustrating the persistent challenges in reaching a sustainable peace agreement amidst complex regional dynamics.
The Israeli government has shown support for a U.S.-proposed ceasefire extension but emphasized that any negotiations must include the condition of Hamas stepping back from governance in Gaza, complicating the political landscape for Israel and its allies.
Tension remains high as preparations for escalating hostilities continue, with the international community urging both sides to remain engaged in talks despite ongoing mistrust and conflicting priorities.