by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The Israeli government has agreed to a U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover. However, Hamas rejected Israel’s terms for extending the first phase of the hostage-ceasefire deal, which would involve maintaining the ceasefire and releasing more hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees and terrorists.
A temporary ceasefire extension proposal from President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, includes the release of half of the hostages and the remains of deceased hostages still in Gaza. The remaining hostages would be released once a permanent ceasefire is established.
Witkoff stated, “There is no possibility of bridging the gaps between the parties’ positions to end the war and additional time is needed for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire,” as he sought to extend the ceasefire until Ramadan and Passover have concluded.
However, while the U.S. and Israel is seeking to extend the current first phase, Hamas considers this “a violation of the agreement.”
The second phase is intended to include the release of remaining hostages and steps toward a permanent end to the war, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Strip.
The first 42-day phase of the agreement officially expires on Saturday. Thirty-three Israeli hostages have been released, including eight deceased, along with five Thai nationals. Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have also been freed.
Despite Israel’s agreement to the U.S. proposal, an Israeli official told Ynet News that the country is “closer to resuming military action than to securing a cease-fire.” The official emphasized that no truce would proceed without further hostage being released.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
Senate Democrats on March 26 unanimously rejected a Republican-backed amendment to the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act that would have required voters to present photo identification to cast a ballot, marking another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over election integrity.
Senate Republicans are urging Donald Trump to consider declaring a national emergency to ensure Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are paid, as a funding standoff over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) threatens to disrupt travel during the busy spring holiday season, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is now actively focused on “dismantling Hezbollah” as part of its broader campaign against Iran, declaring the military effort remains “in full swing” despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Meta and YouTube are appealing a $6 million-plus ruling that held them liable for social media addiction.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is extending a temporary halt on U.S. strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure by an additional 10 days, signaling a continued window for diplomacy amid an escalating conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a forceful message during a cabinet meeting this week, declaring that Iran is at its “weakest point” even as its leadership continues aggressive actions across the region.
American churches and mission groups are preparing to bring millions of Bibles and other Christian literature into Iran despite the ongoing war in the region, Christians familiar with the plans say.