President Trump's Envoy Will Push For An Extension Of The Hamas-Israeli Armistice In Gaza

JAKARTA - United States President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on Sunday he would travel to the Middle East this week to push for an extension of the ceasefire between Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

The three-stage ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, is now nearing the end of the first phase. The ceasefire has largely been implemented, despite allegations of abuse by both sides and a series of setbacks, the latter occurred over the weekend.

"We have to get an extension of the first phase. I will go to the region this week, maybe Wednesday, to negotiate it and we hope to have the right time to start the second phase and complete it and free more hostages," Witkoff told CNN's "State of the Union".

The first phase of the ceasefire included a deal to swap 33 Israeli hostages detained in Gaza for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees detained by Israel.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the ceasefire will include the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of about 60 hostages remaining.

The ceasefire agreement met new hurdles on Saturday, when Israel postponed the release of 602 Palestinians from its prison, after Hamas released six hostages.

The handover of hostages, both alive and corpses like last week, has drawn increasing criticism in recent weeks, including from the United Nations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, Israel was waiting to hand over Palestinian prisoners and detainees "until further release of the hostages is confirmed, and without an embarrassing ceremony."

Separately, Hamas said on Sunday the procession of handing over the hostages was dignified, accusing Israel of using it as an excuse to avoid its agreed obligations by ceasefire.

Earlier, the Israeli hostages' bodies were planned to be repatriated by the Hamas group this week.

The latest conflict broke out in Gaza when Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas attacked Israel's southern region, leaving about 1.20 people dead and 250 others held hostage on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli calculations.

It was replied by a blockade, airstrikes and ground operations by the Israeli military in the Palestinian enclave.

Quoted from WAFA, the death toll from Palestinians in Gaza as of Sunday has reached 48,339 people, while injuries have reached 111,753, with the majority of victims being women and children, according to local medical sources on Sunday.