Israel has approved a U.S. proposal to extend the Gaza truce during Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday in April, announced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on 1st March. The proposal comes as the first phase of the ceasefire with Hamas expires without agreement on the next steps.  

According to Netanyahu's office, the plan by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff envisions a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan (ending late March) and Passover (mid-April). Half of the hostages, both alive and deceased, would be released on the first day of the truce, with the remainder released at the end if a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached.  

The proposal was presented after Witkoff concluded that the positions of Hamas and Israel were irreconcilable in the short term, requiring additional time to negotiate a lasting truce. Israel stated it is ready to begin immediate negotiations on the plan's details if Hamas changes its stance and accepts the proposal.