The United States is proposing a "bridge" plan to extend the ceasefire in Gaza into April beyond Ramadan and Passover and allow time to negotiate a permanent cessation of hostilities, the White House said in a statement on Friday.
The proposal was presented on Wednesday by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Council official Eric Trager, according to a statement issued by their offices.
"Through our Qatari and Egyptian partners, 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," it added.
The statement added that under the proposed framework, Hamas would release additional living hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners.
Time is running out
However, the US government representatives noted their displeasure with Hamas's handling of the negotiations.
"Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire," the statement read.
"Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not. Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes."
A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya departed to the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Friday evening to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations, the terror organization announced.
This is a developing story.