**Israel Extends Gaza Ceasefire for 6 Weeks**
The Israeli government has agreed to extend the ceasefire in Gaza by six weeks. This comes after the first phase of the previously agreed ceasefire expired on Saturday.
The extension covers the Muslim holiday Ramadan and Jewish Passover period. According to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, half of the remaining hostages held by Hamas will be released if a permanent ceasefire is reached.
**Terms of the Extension**
Under the US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal, 12 out of 24 living hostages will be freed on the first day. The remaining hostages will be released if an agreement on a permanent ceasefire is reached. If this does not happen, Israel can resume fighting after 42 days.
Hamas has not commented on the Israeli move. Netanyahu’s office said that Hamas “has so far refused” to back the US proposal and that Israel would immediately start negotiations if Hamas changes its position.
**Background**
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, halted 15 months of fighting between Hamas and the Israeli military. During this period, 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages were released for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
However, negotiations on a permanent ceasefire have barely begun. There are believed to be 24 living hostages left, with another 39 presumed dead.
