“Time is Not on Hamas’ Side”: US Pushes for Extended Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Washington presents a ‘bridge’ proposal to prolong truce beyond Ramadan and Passover, aiming for a permanent resolution

📰 Washington DC [US], March 15: The United States has proposed a “bridge” ceasefire plan to extend the current truce between Israel and Hamas beyond Ramadan and Passover, allowing room for negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire, the White House announced on Wednesday.

The proposal, presented in Doha, Qatar, by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and National Security Council official Eric Trager, aims to facilitate further hostage releases, increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, and establish a framework for long-term peace.

📌 Key Points of the US ‘Bridge’ Proposal

🔹 Hostage-Prisoner Exchange: Hamas would release hostages in exchange for prisoners under terms similar to previous agreements.
🔹 Ceasefire Extension: The current truce would be prolonged beyond Ramadan and Passover to allow humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza.
🔹 Negotiations for Permanent Peace: The US would work toward a lasting ceasefire while the extended truce remains in effect.

💬 “Hamas Must Act Now”— US Warns of Consequences

Witkoff emphasized that both Qatar and Egypt have firmly communicated to Hamas that they must accept the proposal immediately—and that dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander must be released without delay.

📢 “Through our Qatari and Egyptian partners, Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon—and that dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” Witkoff stated.

Witkoff also criticized Hamas, accusing the group of making unrealistic demands behind closed doors while publicly claiming flexibility in negotiations.

📢 “Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire,” he said.

📢 “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not. Hamas is well aware of the deadline and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes.”

🌍 What’s Next?

🔹 The US, Qatar, and Egypt continue efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas to prevent a return to violence.
🔹 Hamas has yet to formally respond, but US officials are making it clear that patience is running out.
🔹 The fate of remaining hostages and long-term stability in the region now hinge on whether Hamas accepts or rejects the proposal in the coming days.