The United States proposed a “bridge proposal” to extend the ceasefire in Gaza. President Donald Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff threatened Hamas to accept the proposal. However, Hamas had responded positively to the proposal hours before Witkoff’s statements. Hamas announced its intention to release the living Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who is also a U.S. citizen, as a positive gesture, emphasizing that no new or side agreements were being discussed.

President Donald Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff made a “bridge proposal” for extending the ceasefire in Gaza. He stated that the extension proposed allowed time for negotiating the framework of a lasting ceasefire.

Accusing Hamas of making “completely unimplementable” demands, Witkoff said that time was working against Hamas. Witkoff stated, “Hamas is aware of the deadline. If they let the time pass, the United States will respond appropriately.”

HAMAS STATEMENT ON CEASEFIRE
However, hours before Witkoff’s statements, Hamas officials had announced the acceptance of the U.S. administration’s proposal. Hamas also stated that they were prepared to deliver the lifeless bodies of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander and four hostages, all American citizens, to Israel.

Hamas Spokesperson Hazim Kasim stated, “We made a positive move by announcing our intention to release U.S. citizen Israeli soldier Edan Alexander. We are not discussing new or side agreements here, but progressing towards the implementation of various stages in the ceasefire agreement.”

Kasim emphasized that threats and pressure attempts towards Palestinian negotiators would not yield positive results, expressing their desire for the release of all captives and a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. ISRAEL ACCUSED HAMAS Israel accused Hamas of manipulation and conducting psychological warfare. A statement from the Israeli administration indicated that Hamas did not step back and was determined to reject Witkoff’s proposal. In response to Hamas’ statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to convene the security cabinet.

THE CEASEFIRE PUZZLE IN GAZA

Trump’s Middle East Envoy Witkoff was in Qatar this week. According to Israeli officials, Witkoff previously proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April. This extension envisages releasing half of the hostages in Gaza on the day the agreement comes into effect, and the remaining hostages will be released upon reaching a lasting ceasefire agreement. However, Hamas insists on moving to the second phase in the agreement mediated by Qatar and Egypt, rather than extending the first phase. It was reported that a Hamas delegation went to Cairo to monitor the ceasefire negotiations. The first phase of the ceasefire reached between Hamas and Israel in Gaza had ended in early March without transitioning to the second phase.