Washington D.C. – Axios, March 13, 2025
White House envoy Steve Witkoff presented an updated U.S. proposal for extending the Gaza ceasefire deal by several weeks in return for additional hostage releases by Hamas and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, four sources with direct knowledge tell Axios.
Why it matters: The proposal is an effort by the Trump administration to buy more time for negotiations and prevent the resumption of the war during the holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover, two sources said.
– The ceasefire expired on March 1, and while fighting has not resumed Israel has cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas to agree to a deal to release more hostages.
– 59 hostages are still held by Hamas in Gaza. Israeli and U.S. officials believe 22 of them are still alive, including American Edan Alexander.
