Israel proposed a temporary cease-fire extension in Gaza for the Ramadan and Passover holidays, as the initial phase of the truce was expiring, in an effort to clarify its negotiating position with Hamas. The proposal, attributed to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, involved releasing half of the remaining hostages held in Gaza on the first day of the agreement, with the rest to be returned if a permanent truce was reached by the end of the extension. Despite both sides wanting to avoid further fighting, a comprehensive agreement seems unlikely as Hamas demands ironclad guarantees before releasing all hostages and Israel threatens to resume fighting if Hamas does not disarm voluntarily.
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Israeli signers of petitions demanding captives’ return in exchange for ending war on Gaza jump to 140,000 – Middle East Monitor
The number of Israelis signing petitions for the return of captives from Gaza, even at the risk of halting the war, has surged to nearly 140,000 as of Saturday, reflecting rising frustration with the government's military strategy. The campaign, coordinated via Restored Israel, saw over 10,000 new signatories in just 24 hours, increasing the total from 128,114 to 138,434. Notably, 11,179 military personnel have joined the initiative, despite warnings from Prime Minister Netanyahu against dissent,...
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