Already fragile, the truce between Israel and Hamas seems to now be on its last legs since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early in the morning of Sunday, March 2, “all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be suspended.” The initiative violates the agreement accepted by both parties, which came into force on January 19 and provided for three phases, the first of which ended on Saturday. The second phase was due to start immediately afterward, allowing for the exchange of more captives and setting up a “permanent end to the war.” It was never discussed, as the Israeli government refused to enter into the preliminary talks provided for in the agreement.

On Saturday night, the Israeli government indicated that it had accepted a proposal from Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East. This alternative proposal, prepared in Washington, aims to establish a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the Ramadan and Passover periods, which end on April 20. Half of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza would be released on the first day of the truce, the others when a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached. There are still 58 hostages in the hands of Hamas, 34 of whom have been declared dead by the Israeli army.

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