March 3, 2025
As Ramadan — a time of peace and reflection — begins, the Secretary-General calls on all sides to spare no efforts to end all violence.
Spokesperson to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging Israel and Hamas “to exercise maximum restraint” as phase 1 of the ceasefire deal expired.
What Happened: On Sunday, the ceasefire deal between Israel and terrorist group Hamas was not extended as no new negotiations were agreed to. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a deal that had been crafted by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff that would extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover in exchange for the release of additional hostages. The White House has not confirmed this claim. Israel has said that Hamas refuses “to accept the Witkoff framework,” while Hamas says, “There are no negotiations.” In the meantime, Israel announced it would stop delivery of goods and supplies to Gaza.
More Context: On January 15, Israel and Hamas agreed to a three-stage ceasefire agreement.
- The first stage, which began on January 19, expired on Saturday after the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange for 38 hostages (33 Israeli and five Thai) held by Hamas.
- The second phase was supposed to be agreed to during the first phase, but negotiations were unsuccessful. Now, without clear consensus on the next steps, both sides are accusing the other of violating the agreement.
- According to Israel, Hamas still holds 59 hostages, of which at least 35 are expected to be dead.
Read More: Israel supports a US proposal to extend Gaza ceasefire’s first phase. But Hamas wants Phase 2 (AP)
Gaza ceasefire in doubt as first phase expires with no further negotiations underway (NBC News)
Israel has cut off all supplies to Gaza. Here’s what that means (ABC News)
by Courtney Lesskis, based in Texas
