The US has proposed a “bridge the gaps” plan aimed at extending the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip through April following Ramadan and Passover.
The White House revealed in a statement that the US proposal also aims to allow time to negotiate a permanent cessation of hostilities.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Council official Eric Trager presented this proposal on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by their offices.
The statement added: “The Palestinian Hamas movement, through our Qatari and Egyptian partners, has been unequivocally informed of the need to implement this plan soon and to release Israeli-American citizen Idan Alexander immediately.”
Witkoff explained: “The proposed extension allows time for negotiations aimed at a permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” noting that Washington will work to find a permanent solution to the conflict by extending the ceasefire in Gaza.
The White House previously accused Hamas of raising “completely impractical” demands and stalling on reaching an agreement to release an American-Israeli detainee in exchange for extending the ceasefire in Gaza.
The statement from Witkoff’s office said, “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side, which it is not,” adding that the US will “respond proportionately” if Hamas does not meet the deadline.
