Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Reuters: The Rapid Support Forces announced that they have taken over the headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces in al-Fasher.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: An Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Al-Qlailah, Southern Lebanon.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strikes town of Harouf, Nabatieh district.
Factions' statement: The attendees agreed to support and continue implementing the ceasefire agreement measures, including the withdrawal of the occupation and lifting the siege.
Factions' statement: Calling for an end to all forms of torture and violations against prisoners in occupation prisons and the necessity of obligating the occupation to do so.
Statement: The current moment is crucial, making the meeting a true turning point toward national unity in defense of our people and their right to life, dignity, and freedom.
Factions' statement: Call for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy.
Factions' statement: Continuing joint work to unify visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause.
Statement of the factions: Emphasis on the unity of the Palestinian political system and the independent national decision.
Statement: Approval to establish an international committee to oversee the financing and implementation of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

US proposes 'bridge' plan to extend Gaza ceasefire

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 14 Mar 2025 22:03
  • 2 Shares
4 Min Read

This comes amid heightened tensions between "Israel" and Hamas, as the occupation's ban on aid entering Gaza enters its 10th day, and as "Israel" refuses to move on to the second phase of the ceasefire deal.

Listen
  • x
  • Steve Witkoff, special envoy, watches as President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, February  3, 2025 (AP)Steve Witkoff, special envoy, watches as President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, February 3, 2025 (AP)

The United States has put forward a "bridge" proposal aimed at extending the ceasefire in Gaza through April, beyond Ramadan and Passover, to provide additional time for negotiating a permanent end to the war, the White House announced in a statement on Friday.

According to a statement from their offices, the proposal was presented on Wednesday by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Council official Eric Trager.

The White House accused Hamas of making "entirely impractical demands" and stalling a deal that would see the extension of the ceasefire in Gaza in return for the release of a US-Israeli captive.

"Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not," said the statement.

"Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes," it pointed out, emphasizing Trump's previous vows that Hamas would "pay a severe price" for not releasing the captives.

The statement indicated that "Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this 'bridge' would have to be implemented soon- and that dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately," adding, "Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire."

The Palestinian group announced earlier on Friday that it was prepared to release an Israeli-American captive along with the remains of four others, following the resumption of indirect Gaza ceasefire talks with "Israel".

This closely follows direct talks between Hamas and the United States, where the US envoy to Hamas Adam Boehler said his meetings with Hamas were "very helpful," as "Israel" tightens its siege on Gaza.

US, Hamas discuss release of dual-nationality captive

Related News

DPRK’s Chief Diplomat to visit Russia, Belarus before APEC

Venezuela launches coastal defense drills amid US military build-up

Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nono told Reuters on March 9 that recent meetings between Hamas leaders and US captives negotiator Adam Boehler have primarily focused on the release of an American-Israeli dual national held by the group in Gaza.

Al-Nono, political advisor to the leader of Hamas, confirmed the direct talks with the US, noting that they had occurred over the past week in the Qatari capital, Doha.

"Several meetings have already taken place in Doha, focusing on releasing one of the dual-nationality prisoners. We have dealt positively and flexibly, in a way that serves the interests of the Palestinian people," al-Nono pointed out.

He further explained that both sides had also addressed how to implement the phased agreement aimed at ending the war on Gaza.

"We informed the American delegation that we don't oppose the release of the prisoner within the framework of these talks," the Palestinian official noted.

Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, emphasized last week that securing the release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old from New Jersey believed to be the last remaining American captive held by Hamas in Gaza, was a "top priority".

Alexander, who served as a soldier in the Israeli occupation military, has been in captivity since the outbreak of the war.

On March 8, "Israel" and Hamas indicated they were preparing for the next phase of ceasefire talks, with mediators working to extend the fragile 42-day truce that began in January.

On March 9, "Israel's" Energy Minister, Eli Cohen, announced that he had instructed the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) to cease electricity sales to Gaza, a move he claimed was aimed at pressuring Hamas to release captives.

However, the measure is unlikely to have an immediate impact, as "Israel" had already cut off the power supply to Gaza at the start of the war. It could, however, affect a wastewater treatment plant currently relying on the supply.

Al-Nono praised Witkoff for his significant role in securing the ceasefire agreement on January 19 that brought an end to the war on Gaza.

"We hope that he (Witkoff) will work to succeed in the negotiation of the second phase," he concluded.

  • United States
  • Gaza Strip
  • Palestine
  • Israel
  • US
  • Hamas
  • steve witkoff
  • Gaza
  • white house

Most Read

From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, during a speech televised on October 22, 2025 (Al-Quds Brigades Military Media)

Al-Quds Brigades' Abu Hamza mourns leaders, vows continued resistance

  • Politics
  • 22 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Undated photo of Hanwha Ocean’s Goeje Shipyard in South Korea (Hanwha Ocean)
Politics

China counters US maritime bloc with sanctions on Hanwha Ocean

Catherine Connolly speaks after being after being elected as the new President of Ireland at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Connolly wins Irish presidency in blow to political establishment

Buildings destroyed during the Israeli air and ground offensive are seen in the Al-Shati camp, in Gaza City, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (AP)
Politics

'Israel's' post-ceasefire demolitions in Gaza violate agreement: Hamas

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran’s Araghchi: Our nuclear bomb is resilience, not weapons

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS