Tel Aviv [Israel], March 2: Israel has agreed to a proposal by US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during the Ramzan and Passover periods, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office. This decision comes as the first phase of a previously agreed ceasefire nears its expiration, according to Al Jazeera.
The temporary truce is aimed at easing tensions during these religious holidays, although further details regarding its implementation have not been disclosed.
As Ramzan begins, the atmosphere in Gaza remains tense and uncertain. Many residents are still haunted by memories of past conflicts, including the war in 2014, and the situation in Gaza last year was particularly dire, with food scarcity and a lack of electricity making it difficult for families to even break their fasts properly. Despite the ceasefire, there is widespread anxiety in Gaza about the possibility of the fighting resuming at any moment.
In Israel, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Tel Aviv, calling for the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza and urging the completion of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire and its context come after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in one of the deadliest assaults in the country’s history. This attack, which led to significant casualties and a prolonged war, continues to impact the region.