PNN – The American website Axios, citing four informed sources, announced: White House special envoy Steve Whittaker presented a new US proposal to extend the Gaza ceasefire agreement by several weeks in exchange for the release of more hostages by Hamas and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, the Axios website, citing two informed sources, said that this proposal is an attempt by the Trump administration to buy more time for negotiations and prevent the resumption of war during the holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.
The American media added: The ceasefire ended on March 1, and while the fighting has not resumed, Israel has cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas to agree to a hostage release deal.
Axios added: There are 59 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Israeli and American officials believe that 22 of them are still alive, including American Adan Alexander.
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The American website, citing its sources, said: Whittaker presented the parties with a new proposal on Wednesday, which includes extending the Gaza ceasefire until after Ramadan and Passover, which ends on April 20, and resuming the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Axios, citing a source familiar with the matter, said the proposal would require Hamas to hand over at least five live hostages and the bodies of about nine dead hostages on the first day of the extended ceasefire.
According to the report, the original US proposal, presented by Witkoff two weeks ago, called for the release of about 10 live hostages and about 18 dead hostages.
Axios continued: Under this updated proposal, Israel and Hamas would use the ceasefire extension to negotiate a long-term ceasefire in Gaza.
According to the report, if this long-term agreement is reached, the remaining hostages will be released on the last day of the extended ceasefire, before the long-term ceasefire.