Israel and Trump Fully Coordinated on Extending Gaza Ceasefire by 50 Days, Says Netanyahu
Israel in Full Coordination with Trump on Extending Gaza Ceasefire for 50 Days: Netanyahu
March 1, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel is in “full coordination” with former U.S. President Donald Trump and his team regarding a proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire by an additional 50 days. The announcement was made during Israel’s weekly cabinet meeting, where Netanyahu emphasized the role of Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, in formulating the extension plan.
Proposal for Ceasefire Extension
According to Netanyahu, Witkoff put forward the extension proposal after assessing that there was no viable way to progress to the second phase of the ceasefire deal due to fundamental disagreements between Israel and Hamas.
“He even defined his proposal as a corridor for negotiations on phase two,” Netanyahu stated, confirming Israel’s willingness to accept the proposed extension.
The Israeli leader indicated that if Hamas agrees to the extension, negotiations between the two parties would immediately commence. However, he warned that Israel would not allow the ceasefire to continue under the current terms unless hostages held by Hamas were returned.
“If Hamas thinks that it will be possible to continue the ceasefire or to enjoy the conditions of phase one, without us receiving hostages – it is very mistaken,” Netanyahu declared.
Possibility of Resuming Military Action
Netanyahu reiterated that Israel retains the option to resume military operations in Gaza should negotiations prove ineffective. He highlighted a letter from the U.S. affirming Israel’s right to return to combat if deemed necessary.
“Despite this, we agreed to the Witkoff outline because we are committed to returning our hostages,” Netanyahu said.
Israeli intelligence estimates that Hamas is currently holding 59 hostages, of which up to 24 are believed to be alive while at least 35 are presumed dead.
Israel Accuses Hamas of Misusing Humanitarian Aid
As part of Israel’s strategic response, Netanyahu confirmed that his government has halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing concerns that Hamas is seizing supplies for its own use.
“Hamas is abusing the Gazan population who are trying to receive the aid, it is shooting at them and is turning humanitarian aid into a terrorist budget directed against us,” Netanyahu asserted.
The prime minister also issued a stern warning of unspecified “additional consequences” if Hamas does not release more hostages.
Foreign Minister Calls Famine Warnings “A Lie”
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed international warnings of a potential famine crisis in Gaza as false.
“With regards to this starvation [claim], that was a lie during all this war. That was a lie,” Saar said during a press conference in Jerusalem when asked about the humanitarian impact of halting aid deliveries.
The situation remains tense as Israel continues to pressure Hamas for concessions while maintaining its right to resume military operations if negotiations do not yield progress.
