US officials have rejected “entirely impractical” demands made by Hamas in talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire, leaving the fate of a truce hanging in the balance. The first phase of the temporary truce ended on March 1, and US envoy Steve Witkoff proposed extending it until mid-April, including the release of 11 Israeli hostages and the bodies of half of the deceased hostages.
However, Hamas refused to back down, claiming negotiations had broken down. Israel accepted the US proposal earlier but said Hamas remained “firm in its refusal,” accusing the group of manipulation and psychological warfare. The two sides currently disagree on the number of hostages due to be released next and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
The stalemate comes as humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, where most of the population has been displaced multiple times and 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed. An estimated 1,200 people were killed in Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and over 48,500 people have died since then.
Despite Hamas’ claims, negotiations appear to be stalled, with the US warning that time is not on its side. The White House accused Hamas of making a “very bad bet” and said it would respond accordingly if the deadline passes. With no clear resolution in sight, the future of the Gaza ceasefire remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr7230vrkmko